LABOUR councillors today called for efforts to safeguard the future of events such as the Moonwalk charity walk on the Meadows – rather than "worrying about the effect on the grass".

Major events could be relocated from the Meadows amid concerns that it is being ruined by overuse.

[3]

Lib Dem councillor Marilyne MacLaren is calling for a report on how other parks and gardens in the city could be used instead.

The huge Fringe Sunday event was relocated from Holyrood Park to the Meadows several years ago, and popular acts like the Lady Boys of Bangkok also use the park during the Festival.

[4]

But Labour group leader Ewan Aitken said: "Events like the Moonwalk and Make Poverty History have changed lives, and starting at the Meadows was part of that experience.

"Our focus should be on how we help the Meadows cope."