WORK has finally started to replace the hated red Tarmac surface of George Square with grey resin.

And today council chiefs insisted the historic area will be open to the public in time for the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run at the start of October.

Work on cleaning the statues and ensuring they will be lit up at night has been completed, and floodlights have been installed to make the square bright and welcoming during the dark evenings.

Glasgow City Council's spokeswoman for jobs and the economy Liz Cameron visited the area to see the transformation herself.

She said: "When we unveil it to the public I think they will be pleasantly surprised at what we have done to make it look wonderful.

"The difference between the red Tarmac and the grey epoxy resin is night to day because it is a light grey which looks classier.

"The Cenotaph has been cleaned and much of the large greenery around it cut back and it looks beautiful.

"Also, a lot of work has gone into levelling the square so it has been extremely complex process."

The Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run is the largest mass participation event in Scotland.

Andy Mitchelmore of organisers Nova International said: "George Square is such an iconic location and has been the home to the start line for years.

"We are delighted the resurfacing work will be completed in time, giving the Square a fresh, new look for October 5 and 6.

"Last year 24,000 people participated in the run and we are on track to achieve similar numbers this year.

"The half marathon - the new route for which will incorporate six of the Commonwealth Games venues - will be broadcast live across the UK on BBC 2 for the first time.

"It will showcase the city's most famous and new sights to thousands of viewers."

A council spokesman said: "The programme of improve-ments is progressing well to enable George Square to host the annual Remembrance Day ceremony and Christmas celebrations.

"Once completed, the works will also allow the square to project an inspiring image of Glasgow to the world throughout the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"A grey epoxy resin surface is currently taking the place of the unpopular and faded red Tarmac.

"Two new grass beds are already progressing well on the western side of the square which will ensure a greener square at the heart of our city."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk