THE private firm providing accommodation to asylum seekers has failed to address concerns and reassure local communities over plans for new short term residences, a leading charity has claimed.

The Scottish Refugee Council said Serco had not consulted with residents around the Lambhill areas after it was announced around 300 people, often from conflict zones like Syria, were scheduled to move to converted offices in the district.

It follows the decision to move the remaining residents living in the notorious Red Road Flats in the coming weeks. Most of those affected have either had their asylum applications rejected or are awaiting assessment.

But following claims by residents' representatives that they had not been given enough information about the plans for the former Scottish Water offices Gary Christie, head of policy at the Scottish Refugee Council, said: "People who seek asylum in the UK have no choice where they are housed. They don't want to cause problems in local communities, they only want one thing: the chance to rebuild their and their children's lives in safety.

"We are disappointed Serco has not consulted the local community. Serco and the Home Office need to open a dialogue with residents, listen to their concerns and reassure them that asylum seeking residents are people like everyone else.

Serco's Andy Dalglish said the firm was making plans so it could provide "safe, secure housing" for asylum seekers in their care".