Fireworks could be banned in Glasgow after new council powers

Fireworks could be banned in parts of Pollokshields and elsewhere in the city this November as Glasgow City Council is set to get new powers to control where they can go off.

People living in Pollokshields have endured reckless firework use with them pelted in streets and it was the scene of a riot on November 5, 2018.

But now new firework control zones are an option for the council, which would make the lighting of them a criminal offence – even in private gardens.

Pollokshields councillor Zen Ghani, SNP, intends to work with residents to look at the possibility of introducing them in the area.

Councillor Ghani said: “Many communities have called for firework bans. In Glasgow, we have successfully worked with them, the police and other stakeholders to address anti-social behaviour and will continue to work with them to ensure any firework control zones are proportionate and have a positive impact.”

He added: “As councillor for Pollokshields, I will be working with communities to explore the need for firework control zones in the Pollokshields ward.

“Ongoing preventative work with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service & Police Scotland and others in a multi-agency approach of educating children on the dangers of fireworks and lighting of bonfires has already been positive resulting in fewer incidents and accidents over the past few years. firework control zones have the potential to make this even more successful.”

Communities would also be able to make requests for zones and would have to give a reason for the proposal a well as boundaries and dates.

However public firework displays would still be permitted as long as they are carried by a professional operator or organised by a community group, sports club or similar organisations.

The new potential restrictions come as the Scottish Government introduces changes to legislation controlling fireworks. The new law changes are yet to come fully into effect.

The council’s environment and liveable neighbourhoods city policy committee received an update on the firework control zones discretionary power earlier this week.

The local authority must carry out a consultation before introducing the measures according to a council paper.