PROTESTERS against aerial adventure course Go Ape have hit back at claims their campaign has sparked threatening letters to the firm's staff.

PROTESTERS against aerial adventure course Go Ape have hit back at claims their campaign has sparked threatening letters to the firm's staff.

Save Pollok Park say attempts by the Go Ape bosses to link them to the threats - as well as two incidents of vandalism - are "ridiculous".

As reported in the Evening Times yesterday, Go Ape told Save Pollok Park in an open letter it would no longer negotiate with them over their development for the South Side park.

They revealed staff had received threatening letters, the contents of which have not been disclosed.

Save Pollok Park read out parts of the letter at a meeting to explore the possibilities of a legal challenge on the development.

Protesters believe that Pollok Park was gifted to the people of Glasgow and the city council has no right to grant a lease.

A spokesman for Save Pollok Park said they were now considering taking legal action against Go Ape over the letter.

The group said: "The Save Pollok Park campaign has always promptly and publicly deplored attempts by outsiders to hijack for their own ends a peaceful protest.

"We are currently taking legal advice about potentially defamatory remarks in Go Ape's open letter and will not comment further on personal attacks on the leadership until this has been resolved.

"Go Ape states they are now committed to the area for which planning permission has been granted' but ignores the objections of the National Trust for Scotland, who they now regard as a credible partner', to its siting in the North Wood.

"They state they are in touch with other local community groups but fail to state who this is and how they represent a body of park users.

"At the request of Go Ape, we read out parts of a public statement at last night's meeting, omitting the legally contentious remarks.

"We have always provided a forum for energetic and purposeful debate and will continue to do so.

"However, to link our campaign with reprehensible personal attacks and criminal conduct is ridiculous. We hope Go Ape will ask the police to fully investigate these matters and pledge full co-operation."

Go Ape's attraction in Aberfoyle was at the centre of vandalism attacks, one in September, as reported by the Evening Times.

Though Go Ape says it accepts the group were not directly responsible for the incidents, it accused them of "whipping up hysteria" which has sparked an "extreme response".

Go Ape said they had offered to discuss with Save Pollok Park changes to the plan - including the possibility of moving the proposed course to another area of the park - but now they won't negotiate.

At last night's meeting Save Pollok Park called on Glasgow City Council "to withdraw its plans to build Go Ape in Pollok Park and to consider alternative sites".

The group also asked the National Trust for Scotland, who withdrew from attending the meeting, to maintain its objection to the plan.

Save Pollok Park say the 1939 Conservation Act, drawn up between the Maxwell Family who gifted the park to Glasgow, the council and the National Trust for Scotland states the Trust must give consent on any park development.

Campaigners called upon Andy Whiteman, an expert on Common Good land laws, who said that because the park belongs to the people of the city the council would need legal permission to lease or sell it.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she would support any legal action taken by Save Pollok Park campaign, saying: "I think it's one that should keep going until it succeeds."

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: "We are delighted the Scottish Government decided not to intervene with the application and look forward to delivering the project in due course."

LibDems' bid to halt park plan

LIB-DEM councillors in Glasgow are making a fresh attempt to halt the Go Ape aerial assault course in Pollok Park.

They want the city council to drop the scheme unless it is approved by the National Trust for Scotland.

Langside councillor Paul Coleshill said that though the council had concluded a deal with Go Ape bosses and ministers had given it planning permission, the council still needed National Trust backing.

Mr Coleshill said: "That is a condition of the Maxwell family's gift of the park to Glasgow, and it is still in force.

"Go Ape will not get a secure title to build their development without the National Trust's consent.

"We know the Trust is unhappy with the scheme and we are calling on the council to get National Trust consent or abandon the plan."

Mr Coleshill added: "Up to now, the council has ignored the people of Glasgow who don't want Go Ape in Pollok Park, and now they may be ignoring the law.

"The council claims the scheme will promote exercise, but at £41 a go it won't be much used to hard pressed families.

"LibDem councillors will fight to defend a precious green space gifted to the people of Glasgow for their pleasure, not to the council to make money."