East Renfrewshire reverses asylum housing decision

A Scottish council has decided to demolish rundown housing it
had controversially earmarked for asylum seekers.

East Renfrewshire Council had faced criticism for planning to
house asylum seekers in the neglected flats in Barrhead, which were
due for demolition because no one was willing to live in them. The
area is said to be a local crime spot.

“If these houses are not fit for our own residents, they are
certainly not fit to house asylum seekers,” said council leader
Owen Taylor.

Council chiefs have asked the director of social work to examine
how asylum seekers can be housed in the area.

“The resounding message we have from the local community is that
asylum seekers are welcome,” said a spokesperson.

Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action on Housing, welcomed
the decision.

“A better proposal would be to work with local housing
associations to create protected, supported housing for vulnerable
people and asylum seekers,” she said.