A CONTROVERSIAL rehab centre has opened its doors in Anniesland – despite residents taking to the street in protest of the move.

Phoenix Futures Residential Rehabilitation Centre moved from its home in Possil’s Keppochhill Road to the site of a former specialist dementia care home in Munro Court last month.

Bosses say the move has gone without incident and both staff and residents have now settled into their new accommodation.

A spokesman for the centre said: “We are getting on very well with the overwhelming majority of our neighbours and we’re very grateful for their ongoing support, good will and kindness”

News of the move caused outrage among the community who critcised the site’s former owners Bield for selling it on without consultation residents.

However, the centre – which deals with those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction - hoped the community would come to accept them in time.

It said: “We are very keen to engage with local residents and community representatives around Munro Court and we’ve started to do that. We are committed to be good neighbours in Munro Court.

“We don’t expect people to understand how we work, it is our responsibility to explain and communicate so that people’s fears are allayed.”

Councillor Paul Carey had backed residents’ plight to stop the centre moving into the former care home and, he admits, he still has some concerns about the site.

He said: “There is still ongoing issues regarding Phoenix Futures moving into Munro Court. Some of my constituents have highlighted some of the issues. For example, finding syringes in some nearby lanes.

“This is not to say it came from the residents who are based in Munro Court. However, it does highlight the fact that if anything goes wrong within that area, unfortunately, a certain element of the community is going to blame the residents who are based in Phoenix Futures.

“I still believe Munro Court is the wrong location for this facility which is based in a retirement complex. However, I do believe this service is needed but I think the way that Phoenix Futures went about it by not consulting the community prior to them moving into Munro Court has just exasperated the situation.”

The centre’s spokesman added: “As Cllr Carey states it is unfair for anything that goes wrong in the areas to be blamed on our residents, and unhelpful in order to identify the people who are actually to blame.

“The facility is working fantastically as an environment and location that promotes recovery from addiction, we believe it’s an outstanding resource for Glasgow.

“We have offered to meet with Cllr Carey on numerous occasions to discuss his concerns and that offer remains open.”