Angry scenes unfolded at a public meeting as Coldside residents accused prison bosses of using their area as a “dumping ground”.
Tempers flared amid discussions about plans to open a community custody unit for low-risk female offenders, which residents described as a “soft prison”.
The possible sites have been narrowed down to the former Our Lady’s and Rosebank primary schools, which are both located in Coldside.
Representatives from the Scottish Prison Services said the facility will not be an open jail like Castle Huntly, but a place where women will be helped to re-integrate into the community and supported with issues such as drug abuse and domestic violence.
Margaret Wemyss, chairwoman of the Coldside Community Forum, said: “We feel that our community is being treated like a dumping ground.
“This area already has a high level of crime and drug abuse, and there are already a number of facilities like the homeless unit and supported accommodation, where the police are often called to.”
Diane McCulloch, who chaired Tuesday night’s meeting, was forced to remind residents to keep the tone of the discussion respectful on a number of occasions as the exchanges became increasingly heated.
The Scottish Prison Service stressed the women will be carefully monitored and there would be security on-site.
Some of the women would be allowed to make trips out of the facility under certain conditions, while others would be required to stay indoors.
The unit, which is one of two to be built in Scotland, would cater for about 20 women and is expected to be open by 2020.
