The Herald, 15 March 2001 Private hostel plan for asylum seekers dropped IAN WILSON AN English firm has abandoned plans to buy an A-listed hotel in Glasgow and turn it into a hostel for asylum seekers. No reasons were cited by the Leena Corporation's solicitors on formally withdrawing the two planning applications. However, insiders say they were dropped because of the "hostile attitude" adopted by Glasgow to the attempted takeover of the three-star, 100-bedroom Kelvin Park Lorne in Sauchiehall Street. It is understood the final straw for Leena was a signal from the national asylum support service that a contract would not be granted, despite the Home Office agency encouraging a switch from public to private care of refugees. Earlier, a meeting took place involving Leena; the Scottish Asylum Seekers Association; Glasgow City Council's support unit, and Councillor Malcolm Green, whose Kelvingrove ward includes the hotel. According to a document in The Herald's possession, the Leena official was said to be "puzzled by Glasgow's hostile attitude". When the official left, others at the meeting agreed to put "as much pressure as possible" on the Home Office not to grant a contract because "Glasgow had more than enough public sector accommodation to meet anticipated needs". The Herald has revealed ultimate control of Leena, whose registered office is in Harrow, Middlesex, lay with an offshore firm, Chesophynya Leisure In-vestments, a Jersey-based firm. Local residents and businesses were among 31 formal objections against the applications. Brian O'Hara, manager of the city council-sponsored asylum seekers support unit, said he was "relieved" by Leena's withdrawal. "I do not think such large hostel-type accommodation is suitable. And, at the end of the day, several hundred people would come to a private landlord but the council would have to provide statutory services." Mr O'Hara confirmed fears that education, health, and social services could not cope with a private sector influx beyond the council's own agreement, and added: "There was no need for such a hostel." The council has agreed to provide 2500 homes for up to 7000 asylum seekers. Some 3000 are already in the city, with 1000 houses occupied. The withdrawal leaves the Lorne hotel in limbo: it had agreed to sell, subject to planning permission. Leena was not available for comment. Full article at: http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/archive/15-3-19101-0-27-13.html Michael Keaney Mercuria Business School Martinlaaksontie 36 01620 Vantaa Finland [EMAIL PROTECTED]
