IT'S time to bring down the bunting and pack away the flags as Glasgow returns to normal after its biggest-ever party.

Dozens of Commonwealth Games staff have begun the daunting task of packing up venues and removing the Games branding.

But Glasgow City Council bosses said efforts by cleansing staff during the event has made light work of the clean up operation.

A council spokeswoman said: "It's very much business as usual.

"There is no need for a major clean as cleansing staff have been working hard every day to keep the city looking its best.

"Over the next few days we will be removing bins from venue locations and treating the grass surfaces at Glasgow Green."

While some venues - such as Hampden - will take intense efforts to return to normal, some are staying dressed up until after the Team Scotland parade.

Games bosses will keep banners up along the route of the parade, on August 15, to keep the festive spirit going until then.

The council spokeswoman added: "The banners on the route of the Team Scotland parade on Friday, August 15 staying up to provide a colourful Host City backdrop to celebrate the success of our athletes."

At Hampden, the detritus of the closing ceremony is being packed away - from the specially built star -shaped stage to the dozens of tents used as props.

The tented village around the SECC will also be removed.

A spokeswoman for Glasgow 2014 could not give exact timings for the clear up operation but said it would be done as quickly as possible.

She said: "Decommissioning venues and returning them in their former state begins now and Glasgow 2014 is committed to ensuring this is rigorous and efficient, so that handovers are achieved in a timely manner."

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