Go Ape drops treetop park plans

The plans would have seen treetop walkways and zip slides

Controversial plans to build a treetop adventure playground in Pollok Park in Glasgow have been abandoned.

The Go Ape facility was given the go-ahead by councillors last year, despite a large campaign against it.

Now the firm behind the adventure course in the park's north wood, behind the Burrell Collection, is pulling out.

Glasgow City Council has called it a "major disappointment" but the Save Pollok Park group said it was delighted with the move.

The proposed Go Ape adventure play area would have seen platforms and zip slides placed in the trees near the Burrell Collection.

Our main objective was to secure an additional attraction for park users Robert Booth Glasgow City Council

In March 2008, members of the planning committee at Glasgow City Council voted in favour of the plan after a special meeting and visit to the site.

Despite a continued campaign from objectors, the Scottish Government decided it would not issue any restriction or call in the plan.

The scheme was referred to Scottish ministers because the council had a financial interest in the scheme.

Go Ape are understood to have now decided the venture would be too expensive to pursue.

Inquiry call

Robert Booth, Glasgow City Council's executive director of land services, said: "Obviously we regret Go Ape's decision not to proceed with their facility at Pollok Park.

"Our main objective was to secure an additional attraction for park users at no cost or financial risk to the council."

Save Pollok Park said it was "delighted" with the decision of Go Ape to abandon its plans.

A spokesman added: "However, the council's failure to consult and respond to the real legal and operational issues resulted in over two years of unnecessary work and a waste of taxpayers' money which could have been avoided."

"We call for a detailed inquiry into the council's futile posturing and mishandling of the Go Ape affair."