THEY were neglected swathes of land at risk of being bought up by developers and turned into housing.

But now 19 sites across Glasgow have been transformed into parks - and saved for future generations.

The areas of green space - some of which were derelict brownfield sites - are being given major facelifts and added to the official list of parks run by the city council.

That means they are safe from developers and will be in line for even more investment and improved maintenance.

It brings Glasgow's total number of parks to 91 - 17 major parks like Kelvingrove and Bellahouston and 74 local parks.

Of the 19 new parks added to the official list, 10 are in the East End, five in the South Side, three in the West End and one in the north of the city.

City council land services director Robert Booth said: "There is a perception the council is selling off its parkland but far from reducing the amount of parkland, we are increasing it.

"For example, Beardmore Park in the East End was a brownfield site but, in partnership with Kelvin Clyde Greenspace, it was transformed into formal parkland and the council has assumed responsibility."

All the parks were transformed - or are still being transformed in partnership with the community. Initial funding has come from a variety of sources including the National Lottery.

Beardmore Park has had a £1million facelift while rundown Mansefield Park in Partick has been given the go-ahead for a £1.9million revamp complete with multi-sports pitch, events space, landscaping, play areas and a cafe.

Mr Booth said Maxwell Square in Pollokshields had also fallen into a significant level of disrepair but over the past three years a new play area has been installed.

"We improved the public seating and changed the landscaping, so it is more pleasant for people to sit in," he said.

Earlybraes Park in Garrowhill is a combination of a number of pieces of derelict open space which have also been given new facilities the community can use.

Mr Booth added: "Adding these 19 parks to our list means they will get regular maintenance, will be regularly cleared of litter and play areas will be checked daily to make sure they are safe."

Council parks spokeswoman Aileen Colleran insisted local people will see marked improvements in the new parks in the course of the next year.

She said: "As a council, we are moving forward and recognising the importance of green space in Glasgow.

"The new parks are being added to our portfolio and as a result we are saying to local communities we recognise how valuable these spaces are to them and there will be more investment in them.

"It also means they are protected and safe from developers." From rundown city eyesore to fantastic' £1m green space

AN eyesore piece of land used as an illegal dumping ground for building material is one of the city's newest parks.

A massive £1million was spent transforming the site of a former East End forge into Beardmore Park.

The site, which was previously a contaminated brownfield site, lies between Westmuir Street and Shettleston Road.

It was singled out in a 2001 East End eyesore report and a number of organisations came together to bring it back to life.

Kevin Dunsire of Kelvin Clyde Greenspace, who managed the project, said: "Some funding was made available and the community was extensively consulted to find out what they wanted to see on the finished site.

"The site was not attractive and part of it was used as a dumping ground for household and builders' waste material.

"It was decided, after consultation with the community, we could create a fantastic space for the community."

Work started two years ago on clearing the area. Since then it has been completely landscaped and is now widely used by people of all ages.

Mr Dunsire said: "There is a kickabout space, three garden areas which are popular with older people, a skatepark, a soft play area for under-fives and a separate play area for the five to 12s.

"It was fundamental there was something which appealed to all age groups and what we have is fantastic.

He welcomed the council decision to include the area on its list of parks and added: "It means the council will take over responsibility for it."