Thousands of people have signed an online petition in opposition to plans to demolish five tower blocks in Glasgow.

Last week, it was revealed five of the final six Red Road tower blocks were to be demolished as part of the city's Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. The footage is due to be screened live across the world.

However, the plans have sparked outrage among local residents who say the move is "insensitive" to those living in the sixth block of flats.

Organisers for Glasgow 2014 have said the demolition of the derelict 1960s flats is a sign of how the city is changing and moving forward, as well as celebrating the role the buildings have played in the lives of thousands of families.

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An online petition opposing the demolition has now been launched by former Socialist MSP Carolyn Leckie. At the time of writing, more than 5,000 people have signed the petition, which reads: "Stop the plan to demolish Red Road flats as part of Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

"The homes and communities of families should be demolished with dignity. If the flats are not fit for 'human' habitation, the message to the residents (asylum seeking families) in the remaining block is that they are not human enough to deserve decent housing."

Two of the Red Road blocks have already been demolished. While a further five are due to be destroyed as part of Glasgow 2014, the final block of flats, in Petershill Court, is expected to be demolished at a later date.

The petition can be viewed here.

(JP)