A COMMUNITY centre alleged to have links to organised crime could lose its funding from Glasgow City Council.

Chirnsyde Community Initiative, Milton, has received almost £250,000 in public money over the last three years.

However, a report by Bridget McConnell, the council's executive director of culture and sport, notes co-ordinator Eddie Lyons is related to a "notorious criminal family in the Milton area".

The report says a number of allegations linking the centre to drug dealing and violence have been lodged in the past six years.

Mrs McConnell has called for council funding to be allocated on a month-to-month basis pending the outcome of a full inquiry.

Mr Lyons, who earns £18,000 a year, lives in Cumbernauld in a house where his son Eddie was shot earlier this year. He denies the allegations.

He said: "There is not a shred of evidence against me. I am squeaky clean. If the people who have made allegations have proof, let them bring it.

"We have 500 members here and everyone who uses the centre is happy."

Milton councillor Billy McAllister said: "I will be calling for the council to withdraw funding and suspend the co-ordinator and the committee in the light of the serious allegations of criminality to allow a full investigation."

A council spokesman said: "The council anticipates the scrutiny committee will have the authority to invite those with an interest in Chirnsyde to put their views."

14/09/06