Routemaster promotes Picnic in the Park protest

CAMPAIGNERS have launched a new protest group in a bid to save Aberdeen’s Union Terrace Gardens from development.

The Friends of Union Terrace Gardens announced their opposition to plans for a civic square as they toured Aberdeen in a 1960s Routemaster bus yesterday.

The stunt was designed to promote a protest Picnic in the Park tomorrow which organisers hope will attract 1,000 people.

Councillors last month backed the proposed £140million development of the gardens when they accepted a £50million pledge towards the scheme from oil services businessman Sir Ian Wood.

Opponents say there is still time to save the gardens and have called on people to show their support by attending the event.

Jenny Tyers, of Friends of Union Terrace Gardens, said: “We are passionate about keeping the gardens as they are. It’s a focal point in the city centre and even just walking past the garden you get beautiful views.

“It is used a lot and I think a lot of people feel very passionately about it.

“We feel this decision is not irreversible.

“Although they have approved it in principle we feel it is not actually a done deal and there is room for negotiation. We have been contacting councillors and MPs with our views. It is not over and done with.”

More than 300 people have signed up to support the group on a social networking site.

Campaigners want to see the gardens preserved and improved in smaller ways such as installing better toilets and access for disabled people.

The family picnic will be held from 2pm to 4pm tomorrow in the gardens.