Many asylum seekers were afraid to leave their homes before Reclaim

Able Miller, a former Zimbabwean MP, said Operation Reclaim in the Red Road area had led to a "dramatic change".

The 51-year-old said: "I feel safer, it is a fantastic change."

Reclaim has cut crime in north Glasgow by 37% in two years by involving locals in sport. It will now be rolled out to other areas of the city.

Since moving to Glasgow five years ago, Mr Miller has suffered verbal and physical attacks.

At least you can get out in the evening and take a stroll Able Miller

He has been threatened with a knife and has a 999 pager.

He said: "It was demoralising and terrifying.

"The children were very, very abusive, they were uncontrollable.

"My stress levels were not good. I was really, really shattered."

New friends

Mr Miller, who has three daughters and two grandchildren, said the situation has been turned around.

He said: "There has been a dramatic change, things really have changed for the better.

"There's more participation by the concierge, the place is a lot cleaner and a lot safer.

"We're able to communicate with some of these people who were fighting with us five years ago. We're now good friends.

"At least you can get out in the evening and take a stroll.