Homeless unit to step up security

Security is to be stepped up and staffing levels increased at a homeless unit after a spike in calls to police.

Parkhead Lodge in Penicuik is a halfway house for young people leaving care and provides accommodation for homeless young people.

Police have reported a "spike" in the number of calls from the unit, most of which were from lodge staff. Concerns over the unit peaked recently when two people were arrested after two police officers were allegedly assaulted responding to a call to a late-night party.

Midlothian Council's head of housing and community safety has said that extra staff cover will be extended later into the night and security measures on the premises will be increased to prevent unauthorised access.

The lodge was refurbished three years ago at a cost of more than 1 million, to provide accommodation for five people in the house and eight in self-contained flats.