ONE of Glasgow major tourist attractions could be closed for a YEAR due to safety fears.

A pane of glass in the roof of the Winter Gardens came loose, shattering on the floor and prompting bosses to shut the facility.

The Evening Times told earlier this month of the closure - but it has now emerged the famous venue could take at least 12 months.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "We are currently examining all options for the repair of the Winter Gardens.

“Ultimately, the decision on how to proceed will determine the length of the closure – and that work is still ongoing.

“In the meantime, the safety of our staff and the public must be our priority.”

The Evening Times understands bosses are trying to decide whether to carry out phased repairs while keeping the building open or closing the Gardens and carrying out a full overhaul.

While the options are being discussed, experts cannot say how long the closure will last - but it could be at least a year if a full refurbishment is chosen.

Couples who had booked the venue for their weddings have been left disappointed by the sudden closure.

The Evening Times spoke to one affected couple, who asked not to be named, who have been forced to cancel their September wedding after being unable to find an alternative venue that could accommodate them.

In 2013, Glasgow City Council racked up a £140,000 repair bill for the iron-framed Victorian glasshouse when one of the panels came loose.

There were no injuries when the glass panel fell but the glasshouse was closed on "health and safety grounds" the following day along with the adjacent People's Palace.

The social history museum, one of Glasgow's leading attractions and which draws more than 360,000 visitors every year, reopened the following day.

It is already undergoing a phased refurbishment with some exhibits are off-limits.

The council spokesman said at the time of the closure: "The Winter Gardens provides an exit route from the People's Palace Museum in the event of an emergency and it also houses toilets, a lift and stairwell used by the museum."