STAFF at a homelessness support service in Greenock that is due to be replaced have been praised by inspectors for their 'supportive, non-judgemental, and caring' approach.

The Inverclyde Centre in Dalrymple Street, which is on the verge of closure years after being condemned as not fit for purpose, is in the midst of a downsizing programme before alternative accommodation takes its place.

The Care Inspectorate paid an unannounced two-day visit to the housing support service in early September, at which time there were only 17 bedsits opened within the hostel.

At the time of the inspection, the service was supporting 54 people, some of whom were living within the building.

Inspectors ruled the plan to shut the building down and replace it with modern, community-based accommodation to be a 'positive development' and said that rules designed to keep people safe at the centre 'restricted individual freedom'.

However, the service was given 'good' or 'very good' grades for involving people in planning their support, as well as for its staff team and approachable leaders.

READ MORE: Inverclyde Centre set to close FIVE years after it was deemed not fit for purpose

The report said: "Staff built constructive relationships with people who use the service. They were able to do this because people viewed them as supportive, non-judgemental, and caring.

"We saw interactions between staff and people who use the service which were warm and friendly.

"As a result of the positive relationships, people were supported to attend appointments and support groups which benefited their health."

Inspectors issued just one area for improvement, requiring the service to 'ensure that they inform the Care Inspectorate of any accidents and incidents' after they failed to notify the watchdog of some.

The report added: "The leadership team was visible around the centre and people who use the service knew who they were and told us that managers were approachable and regularly asked them how they were.

READ MORE: Homeless service centre 'a barrier' to helping people

"We observed management engage meaningfully with people who use the service and as a result people told us they had trust in the leadership of the service.

"There is a clear link between the needs of the people who use the service and the skill and experience of the staff being recruited."

The Telegraph reported earlier this year that moves are under way to close the rundown building - with empty social housing intended as emergency accommodation instead.

Interim head of homelessness Gail Kilblane said in July: "We are quite clear about our commitment. Life is not within the Inverclyde Centre.

"I wouldn't want to be homeless and within the Inverclyde Centre myself so why would I expect that to be okay for people who use my service?"