RESIDENTS have launched a bid to stop a housing development being built near an accident blackspot.

Locals in Barmulloch said plans to create 12 new homes on greenspace off Hillhead Road will make their community more dangerous.

Plans submitted to Glasgow City Council by Convery Prenty Architects ask for permission to build on the green space.

But the area has seen several traffic accidents over the years and locals worry the added traffic will make the situation worse.

Instead, they want to see the road closed to cars.

Local councillor Martin McElroy said: "The developer obviously has no clue about the issues we have in Robroyston.

"Anyone who has stood at Hillhead Road for more than 30 seconds would see that what is being proposed is entirely inappropriate.

"I have spoken to a number of residents who are deeply concerned about about these proposals.

"This is protected open space and any kind of building work here would set a dangerous precedent for other open spaces across Glasgow.

"The plans would also make the road even more dangerous.

"There have been several serious accidents over the last few years and I am working with others in the community to get this road closed to cars."

In October 2012 a 76-year-old man was killed on Hillhead Road after being struck by a car.

In December 2015 a 58-year-old man was killed further along Hillhead Road, again after being hit by a car.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

The road borders Glasgow City and East Dunbartonshire council areas, which local MP Paul Sweeney says is part of the problem.

Locals have long asked for traffic calming measures but Mr Sweeney claims each council says the other is responsible.

The Labour MP said: "The nature of the road layout is inadequate to deal with extra traffic at the moment.

"Traffic calming measures are needed for the area but no one seems to take responsibility because the road is on the border between the two council areas.

"The road issues need to be resolved before anything else can happen there."

Plans submitted are for 12 houses, a play area and car parking.

A decision on the planning application is expected to be taken on Thursday, March 29.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: "This is a live application and will be considered in due course.

"It is designated as residential green space and therefore does not go against City Development Plan guidelines."

A spokeswoman for East Dunbartonshire Council also said the authority would not comment on a live planning application.