Homeless Project Scotland is appealing a council enforcement notice. 

A Glasgow-based homeless charity has gathered more than 40,000 signatures as it looks to prevent the closure of a city centre night shelter. 

Homeless Project Scotland (HPS) said the emergency site has helped more than 8,000 so far this year  but is now facing closure after being served with an enforcement notice. 

The process allows a six week period of appeal but once it reaches October 18 and no appeal has been submitted the charity has three months to stop using the premises.

The charity said it is in the process of submitting the necessary paperwork. 

Colin McInnes, chairman of Homeless Project Scotland, told Glasgow Live: “It is with great concern that we address the enforcement notice threatening the closure of our volunteer-led night shelter in Glasgow, the only one of its kind in Scotland.

“The overwhelming support from the 38,000+ individuals who have signed our petition reflects the crucial role this shelter plays in providing warmth and refuge to 33+ individuals each night.

“We are hopeful that the First Minister of Scotland will consider the voices of our community and the urgent needs of our most vulnerable homeless population.

“We urge everyone to sign and share the petition to stand in solidarity with those in need during this critical time, if the shelter closes people will die on the cold streets alone. Step up today and sign our petition.”

The charity has been urged to submit a planning application, the council said - warning they have been left with no choice but to scrutinise the use of the building.

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson told Glasgow Live: “The occupants have not submitted a planning application for change of use despite efforts to encourage them to do so. There has also been a lack of engagement from the property owner.

“Therefore, there has been no opportunity to scrutinise how the building is operated to ensure that it is safe, well managed and satisfies the relevant policies. There has also been no evidence provided to show that it complies with Care Inspectorate National Standards.

“There have been multiple crime reports and complaints linked to these premises since it began to be used as an unauthorised homeless shelter in December 2023.

“Based on the available evidence, fears from residents and businesses that the unauthorised use of the building is directly contributing to anti-social behaviour and crime in the area appear to be well founded.

“To protect the safety and well-being of the community and given the previous lack of engagement from the occupants to progress with a planning application, we believe it is necessary to take action to cease the unauthorised use of these premises. It remains open for the occupants to submit a planning application for assessment through the usual process.”