FAMILIES who lost loved ones in the Stockline plastics factory disaster in Glasgow will gather to mark the ninth anniversary of the tragedy.

They will join members of the Maryhill community and politicians tomorrow to remember the nine people who died when an explosion caused the four-storey plant in Hopehill Road to collapse.

Several other people were injured in the blast which happened on May 11, 2004.

A service will take place at noon at the memorial garden, which was set up three years after the tragedy, by owners of the factory, ICL Plastics.

Nine stones stand in memory of Margaret Brownlie, Annette Doyle, Peter Ferguson, Thomas McAulay, Stewart McColl, Tracey McErlane, Kenneth Murray, Tim Smith and Ann Trench.

Patricia Ferguson, Labour MSP for Maryhill and Springburn, said: "It's hard to believe it was nine years ago.

"I still think about it and it is still felt in the community."

The explosion was blamed on a leak of liquified petroleum gas from a corroded pipe.

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

Ms Ferguson, who has been working with family members of the blast victims since the tragedy, said: "I remember the day it happened very clearly.

"The thing that sticks in my mind is how Maryhill Road was utterly silent for a week after. There was no traffic and it was eerie.

"From the nine people who died, two of them were in my constituency and I didn't know them.

"But over the years I have got to know the families very well and I kind of feel as if I did know them; their hopes and aspirations.

"I still see the families and recently visited the work memorial service at the People's Palace with the Doyles."

As reported in the Evening Times last month, local residents and community leaders want to upgrade the memorial garden, in Grovepark Street, and the surrounding unkempt land in time for the 10th anniversary next year.

They are trying to set up a trust to take it over to make sure improvements are put in place.

Local councillor Martin McElroy said: "In the time that has passed since the tragedy, the garden has acted as a focal point for people who wish to remember the nine people that died.

"But I know from speaking to various groups in the community that they would like to see some changes.

"It is about improving and opening up the space so that it is not just for those who died, but somewhere for those who survived as well as for the wider community.

"I am working closely with those who want to see a redesigned memorial garden, with a big input from those who wish to remember their loved ones, the survivors and the local area so that we have a memorial we can be proud of."

The service is at noon at the memorial garden. After the memorial, people are invited to go to the Community Central Halls in Maryhill Road.

rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk