Organisers behind this year's Commonwealth Games have decided to cancel a plan to demolish the Red Road flats as part of the opening ceremony.

Five of the six remaining blocks were scheduled to be razed to the ground in July.

However, the proposal has been controversial with many arguing that the decision was "disrespectful" and "insensitive" to the families who had previously lived in the buildings.

An online petition was quickly launched by former Socialist MSP Carolyn Leckie to stop the demolition works. A total of 17,239 people signed the petition.

Last Friday (11 April), it was revealed that talks were to be held regarding the move, but yesterday it was revealed that the demolition will no longer go ahead.

It is understood the decision was taken due to issues expressed over "safety and security".

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In a statement, David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, said: "The decision to feature the live demolition of five Red Road blocks within the Opening Ceremony was planned both as commemoration of a part of Glasgow's social history as well as a statement of the city's regeneration.

"We made it clear from the outset the absolute priority was safety and that this event would only happen during the Opening Ceremony if it was safe to do so.

"Over the past few days it has become clear that opinions have been expressed which change the safety and security context. Glasgow 2014, Games Partners and key stakeholders, including Police Scotland and Glasgow Housing Association, are not prepared to allow what was proposed to be a positive act of commemoration to create risk for all concerned, including the communities of north east Glasgow.

"The demolition of Red Road will now not feature as part of the Opening Ceremony. The demolition of the Red Road blocks is a matter for Glasgow Housing Association and will take place under a full safety regime as part of their on-going regeneration programme.

"However, it remains our intention to dedicate an element within the Ceremony to telling the story of Glasgow's social history and regeneration."

The Red Road tower blocks were built in the mid-1960s. The eight structures, each 30 storeys tall, housed more than 4,000 people. Two of the blocks have already been demolished, while the five blocks that were due to be brought down as part of the Games will now be rescheduled. A final block of flats will also be demolished at a later date.

(JP/IT)