​Residents in Glasgow's Lambhill say they weren't consulted over plans to move asylum seekers to temporary accommodation

Residents in north Glasgow have objected to plans to rehouse asylum seekers within temporary accommodation in an industrial estate.

Over 100 people crammed into the public meeting in Lambhill Stables to voice concern over plans to relocate the area’s asylum seekers into short-stay accommodation at the Scottish Water site at Balmore Road.

People at the meeting, including asylum seekers and their families, said they were angry because they felt there had been no consultation with the community.

Dozens of families seeking refuge will be moved from Petershill Drive, the last populated block at Red Road, into a hostel in Glasgow city centre until properties at the Scottish Water site on Balmore Road are converted into temporary housing units.

Plans have been submitted to Glasgow City Council and residents have until today (25 Novemebr) to lodge objections.

Representatives from Serco, the contractor for the Home Office, and housing provider Orchard and Shipman faced concerned residents.

They are picking on a deprived area...it doesn't seem like a good choice for housing people - Eddie McAuley

Eddie McAuley, 47, whose home overlooks the former Scottish Water site, where units are to flats, said he was worried about the standard of the housing for the asylum seekers.

He said: "I think they should be looking at other sites across the city for different options.

"They are picking a deprived area. I look on to the property and I used to work at the Scottish Water site. It has paper thin walls.

“It doesn't seem like a good choice for housing people."

Stephanie Simpson, chairwoman of Lambhill and District Community Council, who organised the meeting, said: "The point of this is to get everyone's views and put them across to the planning process.

"We represent the community so we want to make sure everyone is heard. We have to get everybody's responses."

Andy Dalglish, Serco contract director on the Compass contract in Scotland, said: "Together with Orchard and Shipman, who are our housing providers, we have been working closely with the Home Office, Glasgow City Council and our local partners and have engaged with the local communities.

“The planning application that has been submitted for 419 Balmore Road is a part of this plan.

The Red Road flats are due for demolition.