Glasgow Council considers city-wide firework ban as Pollokshields revealed as first control zone

Glasgow City Council is to consult on a potential city-wide ban on fireworks – as one area has been chosen as its first control zone.

A council panel reviewed 13 applications for firework control zones (FCZs) following a public consultation, four of which were lodged for locations in Pollokshields.

The potential for a future ban covering the entire city will be the subject of a six week public consultation launching on Tuesday.

Pollokshields has repeatedly been the area of the city which has suffered the most serious “firework-related antisocial behaviour”, said the council.

The use of fireworks, excluding sparklers, will be banned in the Pollokshields zone from November 1 to November 10 in public and private spaces such as gardens.

Councillor Elaine McSporran, Glasgow City Council’s firework safety champion, said: “Pollokshields has been the scene of some terrible firework-related antisocial behaviour in previous years.

“A new multi-agency approach has improved the situation recently, but it is still not where we want it to be.

“We hope the FCZ will support the hard work already being undertaken by SFRS, Police Scotland and the council in the city.

“We have had great support with this process within our communities.

“Glasgow is testing the new legislation in the hope that it will bring some relief to Pollokshields residents.

“I’m also pleased that the public will be able to have their say on the creation of a citywide FCZ from tomorrow.”

Chief Inspector Jordan Dickson of Police Scotland said: “As a statutory consultee, Greater Glasgow Police Division provided analytical data to allow informed assessment by Glasgow City Council.

“Our primary focus is keeping the public, police, emergency personnel and wider partners safe, and to ensure those responsible for the criminal and antisocial use of fireworks are brought to account.”

Group Commander Craig Campbell from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service based in Glasgow will support partners during the implementation of FCZs.

He said: “Bonfire Night is one of the busiest nights of the year for our crews and we will continue to work tirelessly to reduce anti-social behaviour in the run up to and during the event.

“As part of this work over the coming weeks across the city of Glasgow, our staff will visit young people in schools to talk to them directly about the dangers of the misuse of fireworks.”