A dispute over ownership of the desecrated Gorbals Rose War Memorial means the 10ft high bronze is still not repaired.

Local groups appealed to Glasgow City Council to have the artwork fixed – but the council claimed it does not own the memorial.

And it advised community groups to apply for the necessary £10,000 funding to see the rose's head re-attached.

Willie Leckie, of the local Orange Lodge, said his group has been trying to raise the money to see the bronze repaired.

He said: "We stepped in because of the time that had gone by since the memorial was vandalised.

"Nothing seemed to be being done so we offered to make a donation towards the repair.

"Glasgow City Council said it did not own the rose but suggested we might apply to the Southside Central Area Committee for funds.

"When we did that they asked if we owned the memorial, which we don't, and once the committee checked it out, it turned out the council does own it.

"Now the repairs are back at a standstill."

Last year the Evening Times reported how thugs had desecrated the Gorbals Rose War Memorial.

Vandals bent the 10ft high bronze flower statue and stole the head from it.

The stolen head was later discovered at a scrapyard in Stirling.

The Gorbals Art Project (GAP) had been comm-issioned by the council in 2005 to create the memorial at the Old Burial Ground and the Gorbals Rose Garden in Old Rutherglen Road. The artwork honours Victoria Cross winner James Stokes, who was killed in action in the Second World War.

Claire Flannagan, of GAP, said: "It's a real shame that it's taking all this time and nine months down the line there's no further movement on getting it fixed.

"We don't really understand why the council can't step in and get it fixed."

A popular spot for locals, the granite base of the memorial was made in the shape of the Victoria Cross, the highest award given to UK forces for valour.

The rose was made of bronze and was set to bow its head in a mark of respect for those who have given their lives in conflict.

Pollokshields councillor David Meikle said: "This revelation, that Glasgow City Council owns the war memorial, is very serious because it is disgraceful that the council has done nothing to repair the war memorial despite it being vandalised months ago.

"Local people and organisations are rightly asking why has the council done nothing to repair this historic memorial which commemorates the fallen, including a recipient of the Victoria Cross."

A council spokesman said: "The council was one of a number of partners, from national government through to community groups, that played a role in creating the memorial in the garden.

"We are investigating what can be done."

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk