Glasgow firework ban in every garden and street planned by city council

Glasgow councillors plan to ban fireworks across the whole city in families' gardens or on any private or public land.

People would still be able to go to properly organised firework displays but it would be illegal to set them off at home under new rules.

Glasgow streets have been the scene of dangerous use of fireworks with police and firefighters being targeted.

At yesterday's full council meeting councillors agreed to look at rolling out firework control zones across the entire local authority area of Glasgow.

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Initially they had considered just introducing them in specific neighbourhoods but the meeting heard people and pets who are in impacted by noisy fireworks live in every area.

The powers could be rolled out as soon as November 5 this year, the council meeting heard. Scottish Greens councillor Jon Molyneux seconded by fellow party councillor Bailie Anthony Carroll put forward the motion for the city wide firework control zone and also for re-instatement of a free display at Glasgow Green.

Councillor Molyneux said there is a "need for a firework control zone to protect animals or people with extra vulnerabilities whether that's sensory disorders or history of trauma."

He said: "Obviously these groups are not confined to one or two areas of our city. It is an issue in all of our communities and in all of our streets."

Families could still use sparklers, which are included in the permitted simple category 1 fireworks but rockets and other types would not be allowed as part of the new potential restrictions.

Councillor Molyneux added: "In Pollokshields there have been longstanding issues particularly with the wilful misuse of fireworks - fireworks being handed out from the back of a car, being used mainly by young men as weapons, being aimed at property and being aimed at police and fire service workers.

"Young children have been hospitalised and many people in the community have felt afraid and vulnerable and similarly pets and animals in the community too. Many times this is over a period of weeks and months and not just on the 5 of November itself."

He also pointed out it comes at a financial cost for the police, firefighters and council.

The motion also calls for more powers on the crackdown of the sale of fireworks.

Summing up, councillor Molyneux accepted an amendment from the SNP and Labour.

Referring to the SNP amendment, he said: "I absolutely recognise the difference that local partnership working has made. The point is it is not enough and there are challenges about whether that is sufficient or sustainable as well."

Commenting on the Labour amendment, councillor Molyneux said: "It is strengthening the call to re-instate the public display at Glasgow Green. I take the point this goes hand in hand - if we as a council choose to take action to further regulate these fireworks - then it is our duty to make sure we offer alternatives."

Under the proposals for Glasgow, 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.

Councillors instructed a director to develop proposals for consultation to consider whether there is evidence to support a whole council area approach to be taken.

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