Firework control zone applications go to public consultation

Communities across Glasgow are being asked to share their views on applications for firework control zones.

New legislation - the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 - gives local authorities a discretionary power to introduce the control zones, which would make it a criminal offence to ignite a firework within its boundary or to fire or throw a firework into a zone.

Community input is central to whether a firework control zone should be implemented in neighbourhoods within the city and this has led to requests for a zone being accepted in relation to twelve areas across Glasgow.

The areas identified through the application process are Woodlands, Shawlands and Strathbungo, Shawlands, Summerston, Knightswood, Alexandra Park, Toryglen, Linn Park, Cardonald, Broomhouse, Pollokshields and Dennistoun. Four separate applications have been received in relation to Pollokshields.

The council is now required by the legislation to consult with the communities that have been highlighted and feedback on the possibility of introducing control zones in these areas is now being sought.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, City Convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: "Firework control zones are a new concept and it's necessary we test the interest in having zones introduced in different places in the city.

"The concerns about anti-social behaviour and the misuse of fireworks are entirely understandable and there may be other more effective ways of dealing with this issue, such as tighter restrictions on sales.

"But requests for firework control zones have been received and those people who have submitted applications for a zone are entitled to have their views properly considered and consulted upon before any conclusion is reached.

"As a local authority, we will have to look at a range of factors before we decide whether to proceed with a control zone. But community voices are a crucial element of the process and so I urge people to respond to this consultation."

Full details of the consultation, which will remain open until August 18 this year, can be found on the council's website at: Current Consultations

When reviewing a request for a firework control zone, the council will also be required to consider whether alternative approaches might be more effective. These approaches include partnership working with emergency services and communities, engaging with young people and targeted enforcement activity.

A recent motion by Glasgow City Council has also separately asked whether it is possible to designate the whole of the Glasgow City area as a fireworks control zone.