STAFF at a Greenock housing association claim serious safety concerns were 'ignored' by bosses before the alleged attempted murder of an employee.

A woman was rushed to hospital last Monday morning after she was stabbed in the River Clyde Homes office in Clyde Square.

The housing association immediately closed the office, along with another in Broomhill.

Following the attack, the Tele has been contacted by both present and former River Clyde Homes workers who say that staff had raised serious concerns over safety, such as lack of secure interview and public counter facilities.

They claim serious concerns were lodged with senior management about the Clyde Square office and 'ignored'.

One, who wished to remain anonymous, described the office as an 'accident waiting to happen' due to its open plan design and said staff had long felt vulnerable over the lack of security measures.

They say these concerns had been raised at the 'highest level'.

A source who spoke to the Tele on condition of anonymity said: "It was definitely an accident waiting to happen.

"Concerns had been raised at an executive level but these concerns were totally ignored.

"They never listened."

The source added that staff felt exposed due to the lack of security in the office, saying: "There was always a worry about that office - it's the fact that it's open plan.

"The position of the desks left the staff exposed.

"Open plan design means the staff have no protection whatsoever.

"Something should've been done when the concerns were raised."

Another insider who did not want to be named told the Telegraph that a customer experience supervisor had gone to management 'a number of times' and claimed there had been no health and safety security training for two years.

They said: "The customer experience supervisor raised it a number of times and was ignored.

"They didn't have a health and safety meeting for near two and a half years."

River Clyde Homes has today responded to the whistleblowers.

Management insist that the safety of their staff is a priority and say that a full inquiry is under way following the incident.

A spokesperson for RCH said: “The safety of our staff and customers is a continued priority at River Clyde Homes.

“It has always been our aim to provide customer focused facilities allowing engagement in a friendly environment; combined with a range of security measures for the benefit of everyone.

“Following last Monday’s unprovoked and violent attack on a member of staff at our office in Clyde Square we are, as well as working with Police Scotland, undertaking a full critical incident review to allow us to consider how we can better enhance staff and customer safety.

“We would like to thank all those who have sent messages of support for both our injured staff member and her colleagues during what has been a difficult few days.

“Our reception at Roxburgh House has reopened for appointments only and we would advise any customer with any queries to call us on 0800 013 2196 at any time of the night or day.

"One of our team will be happy to help.

"Further updates on the offices in Broomhill and Clyde Square will follow.”

The man arrested in connection with the alleged murder bid, 53-year-old Peter Cannon, is due back in court on Wednesday.

Cannon is charged with attempted murder, assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement and possession of a blade.

He has been remanded in custody.