Robert Brown calls for protection of green space

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 11th Oct 2007

Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown has today slammed council plans to sell off a community park in the West End of the city.

Adding his support to the campaign - run by local residents in the Broomhill area - Mr. Brown lodged a motion with the Scottish Parliament, calling on Glasgow City Council to retain the park for local community and recreational use.

The park, at the bottom of Broomhill Avenue, has been used for over 50 years by children, dog walkers and for local community events.

The motion asks for the Parliament to support the campaign by the Broomhill Avenue Conservation Group to retain the parkland for the community.

It also criticises the lack of action by Glasgow City Council in consulting local people on the proposal to include the sale of the ground in a Planning Brief for the sale of Anniesland College's Balshagray Annexe, and demands higher priority for the protection of recreational and green space across the city.

Robert Brown said:

"It is really time to call a halt to the disposal of the city's green lungs in this way. This is only a small piece of ground but it is pleasant and adds to the attraction of the area. Do we really need it taken over for even more houses?

"Right across the West End of the city, there is enormous pressure on ground for development, but the Council really must start taking on board the views of the local community with these things. There have been a number of attempts to buy over bowling greens and tennis courts for housing, and most recently the Botanic Gardens site for a nightclub.

"I have no objection to the sale and suitable development of the College site but surely the Council could leave the local residents with their little park! They are entirely right to fight the Council over this."

Ends