Milton residents 'shocked' as council and police dismantle community bonfire

Residents in Glasgow have been left “shocked” after council workers and the police dismantled their community bonfire.

The bonfire had been built on a site between Westray and Bernaray Streets in the Milton area of the city ahead of a gathering.

Police and council workers attended on Tuesday and took away two “van loads” worth of pallets and wood.

Organisers said Guy Fawkes night bonfires had been built on the site in previous years, and no complaints or actions have been taken to remove them.

Alex O’Kane who lives in the area and runs a local Facebook page, said: “I was shocked when the police and Glasgow City Council attended today to take away pallets of wood.

“This community doesn’t have a lot in terms of amenities, but it does have a lot of spirit and people trying to help each other.

“Local people have spent a lot of time and effort collecting wood to have this event”, Alex added. “They have held this event here for years without any injuries or incidents.

“The local lads involved in this have worked hard to bring some enjoyment to others in the community, and they should be commended for their efforts.”

Glasgow City Council confirmed that they would be working with Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) to dismantle “dangerous bonfires when they post a risk to public safety”.

Guidance from SFRS states that “any bonfire failing to satisfy safety conditions, or where people are behaving irresponsibly, may be deemed dangerous and as such, are subject to being either removed, extinguished or otherwise made safe”.