Fake letters sent to Glasgow retirement home causes 'fear and distress' among residents

Residents at a Glasgow retirement home have been targeted with fake letters claiming that sex offenders would be allowed to use the facilities.

The letters, sent to residents at John Butterly House in Dennistoun, claimed sex offenders living in the area would be allowed to “mix and mingle” with those living at the home.

The fake correspondence, sent to all residents on September 13, also claimed that recovering alcoholics and drug users would be allowed to access the site.

Entitled ‘Open your doors to the future’, the letter falsely stated the decision was part of diversity, equality and inclusion policies.

The letter explained that in the winter months, non-resident locals could have the opportunity to “offset heating bills by spending days or evenings in the centrally-heated lounge”, “watch their favourite TV programmes” and “wash and dry clothes in the laundry room”.

It also suggested that dozens of sex offenders would be allowed entry to the home.

Julie Smillie, interim director of Reidvale Housing Association, said the letters were designed to cause “fear, alarm, and distress” to residents.

In a letter sent to the residents, Ms Smillie: “It has come to our attention that a malicious letter has been delivered to all our residents in John Butterly House.

“We can confirm that this letter was not issued by the association.

“The contents of this letter were designed to cause fear, alarm, and distress to our residents.

“To design and deliver a letter such as this to our elderly and vulnerable residents is reprehensible, and we apologise to all concerned for their understandable fear and distress.”

A meeting was held on Monday to provide reassurance to residents.