Glasgow councillors have backed Green Party Councillor, Nina Baker in her call for owners of derelict building sites to lay aside areas which could be used by the public.

Experts have predicted that the downturn in the worldwide economy could lead to a number of building projects being put on hold, with sites fenced off and left empty.

Councillor Baker told the Glasgow Evening Times: "The normal practice when a building is demolished is to surround it with railings or abandon it to neglect and overgrowth.

"That is bad enough in the short term but if sites are left like this for any length of time they become eyesores which no-body wants to see, live near or work near."

Labour councillor Philip Braat said: "We should be prepared to negotiate with property owners and developers in a bid to create green' sites where developments are likely to be delayed because of the downturn.

"There would have to be a clear understanding that such action would be a temporary measure for selected sites which have a reasonable level of passing footfall.

"There must be no financial implications for the council and the work should be carried out with the complete agreement of the developer."