MILLIONS of pounds are to be spent upgrading derelict land which is blighting the city.

For many years, Glasgow has had the highest concentration of vacant and derelict land of any authority in Scotland

Last year, there were 863 rundown sites in the city - the equivalent to around 1700 football pitches.

Almost half of the land is owned by Glasgow City Council and has been lying idle and overgrown for years.

This year, the Scottish Government has allocated the city council £4million to tackle the problem of long-term vacant and derelict land.

Council bosses say there are several issues around bringing vacant land into use. These include the mix of poor ground conditions, the fact they can be owned by more than one individual or organisation and lack of basic infrastructure.

A report to councillors states: "That restricts the availability of land ready for development and acts as a brake on the economic potential of the city.

"The blighting impact of derelict land on local commun-ities most disproportionately affects those already suffering from effects of multiple deprivation."

Most of the derelict land is concentrated in the north and east of the city with large areas along the Clyde.

The council has drawn up a programme of work which will include sites being investigated and prepared for use which in the longer term will be available for business and office accommodation, new parkland, housing and leisure facilities.

Liz Cameron, the city council's jobs and the economy spokeswoman, said: "The issue of derelict and vacant land in Glasgow is a very important one and that's why we are determined to tackle it.

"The council has achieved success in our efforts with this in recent years. The amount of such land is now at its lowest level since records began."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk