A CAMPAIGN has been launched to close a large Glasgow homeless hostel which attracts drug pushers and problem drinking.

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to close a large Glasgow homeless hostel which attracts drug pushers and problem drinking.

The 92-bed Hope House in Clyde Street, overlooking the river, is run by the Salvation Army and provides accommodation mainly for homeless drug addicts.

But Anderston/City councillor Gordon Matheson wants it shut down as soon as possible.

Hope House is known as the main catalyst for crime in the area and recently a senior police officer described it as "a major crime generator".

Mr Matheson, who was behind the successful move to close Paddy's Market, has now turned his attention on the sprawling hostel.

He said: "Hope House is too large. The city council recently closed its large hostels because everyone accepts they don't work. It is time the Salvation Army did the same.

"I support smaller, well-managed homelessness services in our communities but large homeless warehouses must go for good."

Mr Matheson said since becoming councillor for the Saltmarket in 2007, his first priority has been to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.

He said: "The staff are committed but the hostel is not configured in a way best able to offer the kind of support its vulnerable residents need.

"The hostel also creates significant anti-social problems in the neighbourhood. It attracts undesirables to the area such as drug dealers who prey on the vulnerable residents, drinking in public and drug injecting in closes."

A Salvation Army spokesman said the organisation is helping some of the most vulnerable people in society.

He added: "We recognise large-scale hostels are no longer the best model of support. We have been working with Glasgow City Council and the Glasgow Homelessness Partnership to find a solution that will enable us to continue this vital service.

"We have taken steps to make service users aware of the feelings locally and to continue our zero tolerance for any criminal activity."