A UNIT providing accommodation and support for young homeless people is to close.

The James Shields centre in Pollokshaws Road run by Quarriers and funded by Glasgow City Council will shut and people moved to other facilities.

The centre in a red sandstone building is home to 37 bedsit style units for people aged 17 to 25 with addiction problems.

The council said the building is outdated and no longer meets with how it wants to provide services for homeless people.

The Council was prepared to fund it until next year but it is understood the services will stop in October this year.

Staff and residents have been told about the closure and plans are underway to move people to other accommodation.

Quarriers said

Andy Williamson, Deputy Chief Executive and Service Director for Quarriers said: “Quarriers can confirm that Glasgow City Council has served notice on the building out of which our James Shields Service has operated successfully for over 20 years.

“We very much value the positive outcomes that have been achieved with young people, delivered by an outstanding staff team.

“Regretfully, this means that Quarriers James Shields Service must consequently close. As such we have initiated a collective consultation in partnership with UNISON, our recognised Trade Union. We are extremely proud of this service and are fully committed to supporting our 28 staff and 37 young people throughout this difficult time.”

Around 20 support staff are thought to work at the centre

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council, said: “The service is no longer appropriate for the young people that use it, both in terms of its scale and the very dated environment it provides.

“We are, instead, committed to supporting people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in their own tenancies or in more appropriate, smaller scale supported living arrangements.

“We have been in discussions with Quarriers about the future of this service for around 18 months. We are working closely with them and each of the young people using the service to ensure they get the right support as they move on to more appropriate accommodation.”