A COMMUNITY group battling to save a much-loved greenspace have been left ‘disappointed’ by Glasgow City Council’s decision to attempt to dispose of the land for the third time.

Friends of Broomhill Avenue Greenspace have been campaigning to protect the land since 2008, when the council guaranteed that it would be excluded from any future development.

The group were given a short reprieve following the most recent dispute in January this year, when it was revealed that the council had not followed procedure when passing the land onto City Property to dispose of.

Shortly after the blunder came to light, the council restarted the process to sell the land to developers once again.

Campaigners have been left shocked by the decision to ignore their continuous opposition.

Chris Osborne, who launched a petition to save the space, said: “We are disappointed that Glasgow City Council have chosen to restart the process which could see the greenspace put up for sale for the development of flats.

“The community wants to see the area kept as open green space and has the support of councillors, MSP’s and our MP, as well a petition with almost 1,000 signatures.

“The council now has the opportunity to show that it values and takes seriously the opinions of the people of Glasgow by choosing not to declare the land surplus and supporting the Friends of Broomhill Avenue Greenspace in our efforts to maintain and improve the space for community use. We hope they will make the correct decision”

The dispute has made its way to Holyrood after Scottish Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie lodged a motion to the Scottish Parliament to protect the land.

He said: “It is extremely disappointing that residents wishes are being ignored after assurances were given in 2008 and, again, earlier this year.

“Once again, this shows exactly why we need to give more power back to our communities.”

The land is currently owned by Glasgow City Council, who have the power to declare it as surplus to Council requirements and pass it onto City Property to dispose of in order to generate profit.

City Property were previously in negotiation with a third party, thought to be Kelvin Properties, who are currently renovating the adjoining former Balshagray public school into flats.

Councillor Kenny McLean, said: “I was disappointed when Glasgow City Council started the process to declare the Greenspace at Broomhill Avenue surplus.

“This has only added to the fears and uncertainty in the community that their much loved Greenspace is under threat from developers.”

A spokesman for the Council said: “The process has been restarted to comply with the Scheme of Delegated Functions (SoDF).”