Linda Fabiani says she has had a “good response from businesses” in East Kilbride wanting to discuss concerns about anti-social behaviour.
The MSP sent out an open letter to retailers asking them to help her discuss and assess the problems associated with the YPeople project at Lindsay House.
The homeless unit was moved to the Lindsay House 18 months ago and has coincided with a rise in anti-social behaviour.
A number of businesses have told us over the last few weeks how residents from the halfway house are running riot in the conservation village, with reports of street drinking, drug activity, theft and intimidation.
South Lanarkshire Council, East Mains Community Council and East Kilbride police agreed a monthly forum would be useful.
Speaking to the News this week, Ms Fabiani said: “Business people in the Village do have concerns and I am really pleased so many want to take part in finding a way forward for all.
“I’ll be meeting with those who responded to my letter.”
Last week former community council secretary Jean Aitken hit back insisting there needs to be less talk and more action, saying the project was “in the wrong location”.
Members of the community, including Dr Lisa Cameron MP, have called for the YPeople facility – which appears to be the main source of the troubles – to be moved out of Lindsay House.
Dr Cameron said Lindsay House had been “positively accepted” by residents in East Kilbride and said she understood the issue to be “the YPeople projects placement of temporary residents in Lindsay House”.
She added: “They have complex and significant substance abuse difficulties coupled in some cases with criminal histories.
“Lindsay House is not, in my opinion, a suitable setting for individuals with such complex needs who require multi-disciplinary rehabilitation.”
