IT has sparked one of the biggest uproars Glasgow has known and has brought hundreds of people out in all weathers to protest.

IT has sparked one of the biggest uproars Glasgow has known and has brought hundreds of people out in all weathers to protest.

But Go Ape's plan to build a high-level adventure course in the trees of Pollok Park looks likely to get the go ahead when it comes before city councillors in the next few weeks.

Worries about noise, disturbing wildlife, damaging plants and trees, lack of toilets and car parking are among the concerns raised by protesters.

Today, speaking exclusively to SARAH SWAIN, Go Ape chief executive Tristram Mayhew answers the plan's critics and attempts to reassure people on every area of concern.

TOILETS The Burrell Collection's toilets close at 5pm. In summer Go Ape is open until 8pm or 9pm so where will all the people go? It's a long walk to the Stables toilets.

• We have always intended to include toilet facilities within our Go Ape course. Currently, we intend to include these facilities within the Go Ape hut however, we also recognise that there is a possible need for toilet facilities for other park users. We are therefore keen to explore other possibilities.

NOISE Protesters say the peace and tranquillity they enjoy in the North Wood will be shattered by screaming and shouting and the noise of the zip lines.

• Our experience at our other sites is that rather than loud and intrusive noise levels, participants at Go Ape are required to undertake such a high degree of concentration that they do not in fact make a great deal of noise.

WILDLIFE Roe deer, woodpeckers and owls are just some of the wildlife in the North Wood. Will these animals lose their habitat or be scared away?

• The ethos behind Go Ape is to encourage as many people as possible to experience nature and the environment.

It is therefore in our best interests to ensure that the native wildlife and environment is not only preserved, but that it is also nurtured.

TREES How many will be felled and why is this needed. Will these be replaced?

• Because Go Ape is firmly committed to the environment, when we plan our structures one of our top priorities is to ensure there is a minimal impact upon the trees and surrounding environment.

Of the estimated 100,000 trees growing in Pollok Park, Go Ape will only need to fell around 20 trees in total.

THE GLADE Save Pollok Park says this area was created as part of the designed landscape by the Stirling Maxwells and is a favourite quiet spot for walking and for picnics. The final 100-metre long zip wire will cross here and the landing strip will be cut out of the trees. Is this right?

• We are very sensitive to the concerns of some residents and park users as well as the park's history. We will continue to explore ways in which we can address some of the issues raised.

However, we believe this facility would enhance the park and introduce a whole new generation to its many treasures.

BUILDINGS Two new buildings will be visible from the Burrell, which has a unspoiled view. Electricity and phone lines will be installed too.

• No electricity or phone lines will be visible at all. Go Ape has worked closely with Glasgow City Council to ensure there is little or no visual impact on views from the Burrell building.

RESTRICTIONS Landing areas will be fenced off, will this bar access to areas of the woods for walkers?

• The landing areas take up a very small area of the woods - most of the activity takes place up in the trees.

Clearly for safety reasons it would not be appropriate for other park users to be walking in these small areas while activities were under way.

TRAFFIC AND LITTER Save Pollok Park says there will 1000 extra cars per week in high season and no plans for extra car parks. Will this mean a major parking problem?

• Go Ape is aware of these concerns and is keen to work with the council and park users as well as community groups to look at ways that this can be addressed.

One option would be to look at other areas of the park which are already developed but not used so that additional car parking can be accommodated. The installation of secure bike racks could also be considered.

SECURITY Could anybody access the course at night - or try to?

• All of our courses are designed so that when they are not in use the ladders and removable equipment is removed.

Any platforms which are situated at an inaccessible height are designed so that two adults working together without the appropriate equipment cannot gain access to the course.

We have built a number of courses in areas surrounded by high population and we have not experienced security problems.

COMMERCIAL USE OF A PARK WHICH WAS GIFTED TO THE PEOPLE OF GLASGOW Will Go Ape be making a profit out of the park which belongs to the people of the city?

• The firm was invited by Glasgow City Council to look at the viability of providing a course within Pollok Park. It is a commercial company however we have a firm belief and excellent track record in supporting the local community.

Last year, the company gave away £35,000 worth of free visits to its courses and there is an agreement between the council and the company that it would give away 450 free visits per year.

PLANTS Bluebells grow in the woods and are legally protected. How will these be safeguarded? Will other plants be killed by the landing areas?

• Because of the very nature of the Go Ape courses ie participants are away from ground level for the majority of the activity, footfall on the ground is minimal. Therefore there would be little impact on bluebells and other plants.

COSTS Will free places really be free? It's rumoured that people will still have to pay for insurance.

• This is not true. We have an agreement to provide 450 free places per year these places will be fully inclusive of insurance.

LOCATION Why can't Go Ape look at an alternative location?

• Go Ape courses require a wide range of technical pre-requisites at each site to ensure that a course can be designed and built to a safe standard. Go Ape does not actively market or cold call to look at sites, we are invited by local authorities, land owners and other public authorities to assess whether or not a site is suitable for a course.

CONSULTATION The council's consultation was labelled "woefully inadequate" by Deputy First Minister to Nicola Sturgeon. What does Go Ape think?

• While the formal consultation process is a matter for the appropriate authorities, we will keep listening to the concerns of local residents and park users.