Plans for children’s home in Glasgow have been scrapped

PLANS for a controversial children’s home in Glasgow have been dropped. Glasgow City Council had proposed creating a unit in Mount Vernon to house young people in care – but the scheme angered local residents.

Protesters feared the home could be used to shelter sex offenders and lead to a surge in crime and disorder.

But now the 11-bedroom Mansionhouse Road property, which had been earmarked for the home, has been put up for sale.

The private owners are looking for offers of around £300,000 for the property.

Local councillor Euan McLeod said protesters would be relieved to hear the scheme will not be going ahead.

He said: “It would appear that the proposals for a children’s unit in Mount Vernon will not be able to procede if the owner of the property has decided to place the building on the open market.

“I am sure that a great number of my constituents will be delighted with this news.”

As revealed by the Evening Times, the council had planned to turn the disused care home for the elderly into a unit for youngsters in care.

The home would have held up to eight troubled youths, aged from 12 to 17, who were not able to be looked after by their families.

When the plans were announced in March, opponents to the scheme flooded the Evening Times community websites with their views.

Parents were concerned because the quiet area has a primary school and nursery nearby.

Council chiefs had planned to rent the detached sandstone villa from the owners to use as a children’s home.

But the building, which includes eight wetrooms, office space and laundry and utility rooms, went on the market yesterday for offers in the region of £299,000.

Mr McLeod added: “I warmly welcome the review of care provision for young people in Glasgow that the Executive Member for Social Care Archie Graham has conducted and note that this is due to report soon.

“I have been fully involved in ensuring that the views of residents in Mount Vernon have been heard by the council.”

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “A review of our strategy for children’s homes in Glasgow has still to conclude.

“The property at Mansionhouse Road is privately owned and it would not be appropriate for the Council to comment on a private matter.”