CAMPAIGNERS are calling for a memorial garden for the victims of the Stockline plastics factory disaster to be placed in the hands of the community.

Nine people died and several others were injured when a blast caused the four-storey factory in Hopehill Road, Firhill, Glasgow, to collapse, on May 11 2004.

The memorial was set up in nearby Grovepark Street by ICL Plastics Ltd, which owned the factory, three years after the tragedy.

But community members say that not enough has been done to upgrade the garden and the surrounding area – and they now want to set up a group to take it over and make sure improvements are put in place before the 10th anniversary next year.

The memorial site, which is currently on a long-term lease from City Property to ICL Plastics Ltd pension fund, is surrounded by unkempt derelict land, broken fencing and uneven stones.

Gary Gentles, development services manager of Maryhill Community Central Halls, has been in talks with victims' families and survivors of the disaster.

He said: "There is real concern over the future of the garden and that community and families are not getting any input.

"When people go to look at the memorial they face uneven slabs, and unsightly eyesores, it's a mess. I've spoken to some of the families of the victims, the survivors and the rest of the community and the feeling is that we want some say in how it is upgraded.

"Some of the families wanted trees planted for their loved ones and we've talked about getting picnic tables and better lighting.

"We've even talked about getting a sculpture. We need a place where survivors can go and others who work nearby can go for lunch – we need something fit for everyone."

Margaret Brownlie, Annette Doyle, Peter Ferguson, Thomas McAulay, Stewart McColl, Tracey McErlane, Kenneth Murray, Tim Smith and Ann Trench all lost their lives in the tragedy.

THE blast was blamed on a leak of liquified petroleum gas from a corroded pipe.

A public inquiry found that the blast was "avoidable" and that risks were not identified or understood.

Mr Gentles, who was part of the team from the community halls which supported the families in the immediate aftermath, said the tragedy is still felt by everyone in the area. He added: "I remember the day it happened. I heard a loud bang and no one could believe it when we phoned the emergency services and they said a building had collapsed.

"The community halls took the nine families in. And today families and survivors still come to the halls to meet and walk to the memorial.

"We want the land to be transferred to a trust which would be responsible for keeping it tidy."

Local councillor Martin McElroy met with the management of Stockline to ask if they would be willing to consider transferring the lease to a group that would then manage the site.

He said: "The idea is to set up a trust that would consist of victims' families and the local community.

"It is important the group consults as widely as possible about the design of the garden so it takes into account what survivors and victims' families want. I had a very constructive meeting with the management of Stockline who currently look after the site and I am optimistic that we can get a satisfactory solution."

MR McElroy is to write to management outlining the lease transfer plan for the board to consider.

An ICL Plastics spokeswoman said arrangements were in place to develop the garden through Hope-hill Trust, a group set up by the firm to maintain the garden. She said: "We are committed to regularly tending the site and doing seasonal planting. Sadly, there is a frequent requirement for us to clear up litter in the area.

"The memorial garden is for the bereaved families and the community. Ideas and suggestions for the garden can be addressed to the Trustees of the Hopehill Trust at Campbell Riddell Breeze Paterson at 80 StVincent Street, G2."

rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk