A GREEN-fingered group is calling for help to carry out repair work on a children's garden after it was deemed unsafe.

Glasgow City Council's Land and Environmental workers were forced to close the children's garden in Glasgow's Botanic Gardens because an area of decking collapsed.

Volunteers said the problem occurred because the area, which is next to the playhouse, is so well-used by youngsters in the area.

John Hancox, 52, from the west end, said families used it every day, especially during the milder months.

He said: "The issue is that the decking collapsed because so many people stand on it. It's a platform that children played on, it's very well used.

"It's just one of these things but unfortunately the garden had to be closed because the Botanics staff felt it was unsafe."

The children's garden is maintained by a group of volunteers so repairs cannot be undertaken by the council.

It was set up in 2004 as a place for youngsters and their families to plant seeds, water plants, grow fruit and vegetables and take part in outdoor activities.

Their aim is to promote healthy living, friendship and to support schools with educational activities.

Mr Hancox, who is chairman of the Children's Garden, called on any local joinery firms to help them make the repairs.

He said: "It would be really helpful for us if somebody who knew how to carry out joinery repairs or building work could help us with this.

"We want to get the garden opened again for the kids."

Mr Hancox added that the garden is also on the lookout for more volunteers and invited anyone interested to get in touch.

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman was keen to stress the play park within the Botanics, which is next to the Children's Garden was not affected.

She added that council bosses plan to fence off the area so the garden can open again.

She said: “The children’s play park is not closed.

"An area of decking within the children’s garden failed and as a result the garden was temporarily closed. However, we plan to fence the affected area off so the garden can reopen.”

Anyone who can help should email john.d.hancox@btinternet.com or visit www.weegarden.co.uk.