A CHARITY has moved its soup kitchen back to Argyle Street after raising safety concerns for volunteers and service users.

Homeless Project Scotland relocated its service to Broomielaw in September after traders put pressure on their landlord Network Rail to force it to move.

The charity said it has been beset by problems and safety concerns at the new location.

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Colin McInnes, chair of the charity, said: “We had no lights for four nights and had to cancel service twice.

“We have had rats running about between the service users and the volunteers and safety concerns regarding children and the railings at the River Clyde.”

Homeless Project Scotland moved from under the Heilanman’s Umbrella where it had operated for three years to Broomielaw.

It said it was forced out by “bullying and intimidation” from traders who had sent a petition to Network Rail and the council threatening to withhold rent and rates unless action was taken.

The charity agreed to move temporarily until it could get indoor premises ready but Mr McInnes said the cost of making it watertight was excessive.

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Homeless Project Scotland posted its decision on its social media: “Our board of trustees decided at an emergency board meeting last night that there was no other option at this moment in time than to return to Argyle Street Glasgow this is due to safety concern and conditions down at the Broomielaw, Glasgow.

“We are appealing to Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government to help us to find a warm suitable indoor space our board of trustees have reached out to ask for assistance.”

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: “The Broomielaw was identified by HPS as an alternative location for their soup kitchen and we have supported them to make this site viable.

“The issue that was raised about lighting has now been fixed and HPS should now be able to return to this location to provide their service.

“We will continue to work with HPS in relation to Broomielaw and respond to any issues as they are raised.

“HPS have been clear in the past that they do not consider Argyle Street a suitable space to deliver their service and we agree with them.

“But it remains the case that we have a limited property portfolio in the city centre and those premises we have previously offered to HPS have been deemed unsuitable by them.”

A Network Rail spokesperson, said: “We have been working with the charity to help identify a suitable property to support their service and have offered HPS a long-lease on premises on the Broomielaw.”