GLASGOW'S parks are at risk because of lack of cash, a city council boss has warned.

Now a fund could be set up to allow individuals and businesses to donate money for improvement works.

Councillors will consider the move on Wednesday following a report from land and environment director Brian Devlin. It says: "With the dramatic reduction in central and local government funding, Scotland's urban parks and green spaces are at risk.

"Recent surveys reveal people think the quality of their local green spaces has deteriorated and this has had a negative impact on their use and enjoyment.

"Glasgow has a long and proud tradition linked to its many parks and green open spaces and holds dearly its world renowned reputation as The Dear Green Place."

Mr Devlin suggests a MyParkGlasgow fund could be set up which would allow people, businesses and organisations to give cash support to city parks.

He said: "The fund will accept donations from companies and the public, including one-off donations, regular giving through direct debits and legacy giving."

The money would be used for short and long-term park projects.

Glasgow has more than 90 parks and formal gardens within the city boundaries.

Alistair Watson, the council's land and environment spokesman, said: "It is widely recognised communities across Glasgow place easy and safe access to quality parks and green spaces very high on their agenda.

"Not only that, the social, economic and environmental contribution these spaces make to cities are increasingly being understood.

"MyParkGlasgow will involve Glaswegians and businesses by giving them a real say in what parks and open space projects they would like to support.

"It puts the ethos of community planning and decision-making at the very heart of the process by bringing local communities together.

"It is an innovative way of ensuring the long-term sustain­ability of Glasgow parks and promoting their use so they can be enjoyed for future generations.

"In the past many of the city's parks were gifted by Glaswegians who owned the lands and were in a position to gift it to the city.

"Today the option of donating lands seldom exists, so the creation of a parks trust fund for Glasgow is an ideal way for those wishing to donate to the well-being of their parks."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk