Former Glasgow care home vandalised following 'misleading' claims it would house refugees

A former care home has been vandalised in the east end of Glasgow after “misleading” claims were made that it would potentially house asylum seekers and refugees.

Racist language has been scrawled on the front of Alexandra Court in Carntyne as speculation mounted about the future of the building.

A meeting had been organised to discuss the property but that has now been postponed until further notice.

Local councillor Ann Jenkins expressed her disappointment over the graffiti on the Edinburgh Road building and said misinformation has sparked “fear” in the area.

It comes after firm Commercial Connexions lodged an application for a certificate of lawful use of the premises for accommodation “providing care for asylum seekers, refugees and homeless persons.”

But local councillors stated that asylum seeker housing provider Mears has no plans to use the building. And Glasgow City Council said it has no intention of offering homeless accommodation at the site.

East Centre councillor Ann Jenkins, Labour, said: “I am really disappointed that the situation regarding the misleading information about the care home that has caused so much fear and anxiety among my constituents has now resulted in the care home being vandalised.”

Councillors Jenkins and Kieran Turner released a statement on social media pointing out: “The Mears’s Group, which oversees asylum accommodation in Scotland on behalf of the UK Government has no interest in using this site. Additionally Glasgow City Council has no plans to support its use for asylum or homeless accommodation.”

The statement added: “We are committed to ensuring that residents receive clear and accurate information and we will continue to push back against any misleading claims about this site.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The council has no intention to use this property for homeless emergency accommodation.”

A Mears spokesperson said: “Mears has no involvement with this site and no plans to use it.”

The care home closed in 2018.