​Row over controversial plan to demolish Glasgow tower blocks.

Campaigners against a plan to demolish five iconic Glasgow tower block flats as part of the city’s Commonwealth Games opening ceremony have won a meeting with organisers Glasgow 2014 to discuss the proposal.

An online petition launched by former Scottish Socialist MSP, Carolyn Leckie calling for the idea to be scrapped, has gained more than 13,500 signatures – with many saying it is undignified and lacks sensitivity to those housed in the remaining sixth block at Red Road.

Following the petition’s public support a spokesperson for Glasgow 2014 said a meeting with Leckie would be arranged to take place next week.

In her petition addressed to the Scottish Government, the leader of Glasgow City Council Gordon Matheson and the Commonwealth Games Committee, Leckie said many people are dismayed by the proposal.

“The reasons are many,” she said. “…The disrespect displayed by blowing up homes for entertainment; the mixed and complex message of ‘regeneration’ by destruction; the insult to the families remaining in the sixth block; the disruption to families and the city at the time of a huge event.”

Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action in Housing, previously described the demolition as “highly insensitive” adding it “jars with the senses”.

Two Red Road blocks have already been demolished by social housing landlord Glasgow Housing Association while the remaining block will continue to house asylum seekers.