Glasgow City Council 'embarrassed' after failing to implement firework control zone

The council’s failure to implement fireworks control zones in Glasgow has been deemed “regrettable and embarrassing.”

The local authority missed the deadline for introducing the legislation ahead of Bonfire Night after confirming one would come into force in the South Side of the city.

The council apologised to residents for the delay in the introduction of the fireworks ban, which would have come into effect from November 1 until November 10 and covered public and private spaces, including gardens.

During Thursday’s full council meeting, Councillor Jon Molyneux asked what measures the administration was taking to reassure people that existing fireworks regulations would be properly enforced.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly said: “While it is regrettable and quite honestly embarrassing that firework control regulations won’t be available to us this year, residents can be reassured that the council continues to work closely with partner agencies to ensure that enforcement restrictions can be carried out.

“Every business storing or selling fireworks will be inspected by the trading standards on joint business with the police and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will also be carried out where there is intelligence to suggest a specific need.

“Our officers have already commenced firework testing and purchasing including underage sales.”

Councillor Molyneaux then asked how soon a decision on control zones could be made for next year to ensure the same thing didn’t happen again.

He said: “Failure to deliver the fireworks zones was a real blow and I am really grateful that the council has apologised to the Pollokshields residents for that.

“Following the consultation that has just finished from potential citywide control zones, I ask how soon can a decision on firework control zones be made for next year.

“Can I suggest that any suggestion should come by way of a paper coming before the correct council committee.”

Councillor Kelly responded: “The work for control zones is going on and a report will be produced for the start of next year so we can implement them on time.”