Business Standard

Glasgow Commonwealth Games organisers drop plan to broadcast Red Road flats demolition live

Image

ANI London

The Glasgow Commonwealth Games organisers have reportedly scrapped the idea of broadcasting the razing of five Red Road flats during the opening ceremony following a public backlash.

The game organisers had earlier reportedly revealed that they planned on broadcasting the blowing up of five of the Red Road flats but their idea was followed by heavy criticism from public who felt the scheme would be insensitive to the residents of those flats.

According to the Guardian, the U-turn has come only 11 days after the plan was announced by the Glasgow Commonwealth Games organisers, who were planning to turn the flats to rubble in 15 seconds using more than a ton of explosives, which would have been broadcast live to an international audience.

 

However, the public reportedly backfired on their plan as it felt that the Red Road flats residents' sentiments would be hurt and also of the asylum seekers who still occupy the sixth block.

More than 17,000 people reportedly signed a petition to stop the demolition, following which the Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg on Sunday said that the plan had been dropped over 'safety and security' concerns.

Former Member of Scottish Parliament Carolyn Leckie, who started the petition, said that she was relieved and extremely pleased by the decision, as she had attacked the disrespect displayed by blowing up homes for entertainment, the report added.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Apr 14 2014 | 3:23 PM IST

Explore News