COUNCIL chiefs have today pledged Glasgow's George Square will have its unpopular red Tarmac surface replaced in time for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The surface, put in place in the late 1990s, is the main feature the public is understood to want changed.

The move comes after reports the civic square is "unlikely" to be changed before the major sporting event, during late July and early August of next year.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council today told the Evening Times: "The overwhelming feedback we received was that the people of Glasgow do not want a radical redesign of the square.

"We are currently examining options to establish a design for the refurbished George Square.

"However, it is clear the red Tarmac will be replaced before Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games."

John McAslan, whose design was named the winner of the £15million competition to redesign the square, said he believes a revamp was still possible ahead of the Games.

As reported in later editions of last night's Evening Times, the Glasgow-born architect held a public meeting in the Merchant City yesterday attended by residents and campaigners.

He said he would present his findings to Mr Matheson when they meet on Monday.

"It is clear from today's meeting there is strong support for changes to be made," Mr McAslan said.

"The meeting is all about having a discussion about George Square with the people who have attended.

"The key points discussed were to do with the space, the Tarmac finish, and the planting."

The meeting threw up a spread of views, although there was a consensus more green space was needed.

Mr McAslan's plan was chosen by a panel of judges last month after a design competition.

But within minutes of the winner being announced, council leader Gordon Matheson said the square revamp plan had been scrapped.