Cash plea to re-design Piper Alpha gardens

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise funds for a major redesign of the gardens that are home to the Piper Alpha memorial.

The oil platform exploded on July 6, 1988. A total of 167 men died, with 61 surviving the disaster.

The North Sea Memorial Garden is in Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen.

The Pound For Piper Memorial Trust is now aiming to raise £500,000 for a new-look circular garden with improved access and additional seating.

Oil and gas firms are being asked to contribute.

The gardens would also feature flowers that could be enjoyed year-round.

The platform, 120 miles north east of Aberdeen, was set ablaze after a series of explosions that were the result of gas from a leaking pump igniting.