CAMPAIGNERS trying to stop a development being built on a green space are urging supporters to get their friends involved in the protest.

North Kelvin Meadow activists have launched the ‘five friends challenge’ in a bid to get 10,000 signatures on a petition.

They are calling for the Scottish Government to review the Glasgow City Council decision to allow developers New City Vision to build 90 flats on the site at Clouston Street.

They are urging people to get in touch with at least five of their friends or family members to tell them why it is important to save the green space.

It is hoped that supporters’ friends will then sign the petition themselves.

It came as activists prepared to stage a public meeting today at Crosslands Bar in Queen Margaret Drive. It takes place form 8-10pm and is being held to tell people what they can do to support the cause.

The petition was started by local resident Quintin Cutts.

He said: “Overall, we do not understand how the council or the planning authority deem it acceptable to build on this site.

“We are calling on Scottish Government ministers to use their planning powers to call in and reject the New City Vision plan.”

The petition has more than 2000 signatures so far.

The campaigners released a statement saying: “We’re doing brilliantly - we have over 2100 signatures and rising - 10,000 and we automatically get a hearing in the Scottish Parliament.

“Please join the five friends challenge, by making five personal invitations - in person, on the phone, by email or direct message.”

The application, which was approved last week, is to be sent to the Scottish Government for review after ministers said previously if it were approved they wanted to look at the proposals.

More than 100 people who use the space campaigned at a site visit before the meeting last Tuesday.

After the planning committee meeting, protestors vowed to continue their fight to keep the space as it is.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman has said: “New City Vision will deliver much needed family homes in the West End and improve the North Kelvinside pitches facility as well as a substantial receipt for the public purse.”