Majority of Glaswegians want to see fireworks banned across city

The majority of Glaswegians would like to see fireworks banned everywhere in the city, according to a consultation.

There are already plans to roll out firework control zones in certain areas, and groups can now submit applications for their neighbourhoods to be considered but a citywide ban is still being debated.

Scottish Greens councillors have called for the whole of Glasgow to be free of fireworks, but a meeting heard that making that a reality may face complications relating to Scottish Government guidance.

Councillor Jon Molyneux, Scottish Greens, said: “It is clear that there is overwhelming public support for a city-wide fireworks control zone. The council must now act on this.

“Fireworks have a broad public and animal welfare impact. Those who are more adversely affected because of trauma or sensory issues, for instance, as well as pets and animal sanctuaries, are not confined to one or two areas – they live in all our communities.

“If we are serious about reducing this impact, then the only reasonable response is to implement city-wide controls.”

Speaking at yesterday’s full council meeting, Councillor Laura Doherty, SNP, said consultation results showing high levels of support for a clampdown across the whole of Glasgow are now to be analysed.

The convenor for neighbourhood services advised: “It should be noted that the citywide firework control zone would not be within the scope of the Scottish Government legislation.

“The guidelines within the relevant act have not been designed to cover a whole local authority area or indeed to cover extended parts of a local authority area due to enforcement challenges.”

In response, Councillor Molyneux said: “It is allowed by the legislation – it is the guidance that suggests we couldn’t do it across the city. But the legislation would allow it if there is an evidence base to underpin that.”

Of the 2,437 Glasgow residents to respond to the public consultation, 86% upported the ban with only 11%.

Fireworks control zones make it an offence to let off a firework in a public or private place during an agreed period, except for organised displays.