GLASGOW comedian Scott Agnew has called on Glasgow City Council to step in amid reports Pride ticket holders denied entry to the event were only refunded half of their money.

The funnyman, who hosted the two-day festival in Kelvingrove Park last month, has blasted organisers for failing to repay the full amount paid by ticket holders turned away during the first day.

He claimed organisers did not advertise how revellers could go about requesting a refund on the event website or social media, adding those who did manage to get in touch with the group were only offered 50 per cent of their money back.

In a letter to Glasgow City Council, which has been shared with the Evening Times, Agnew said: “To me, this looks like the Boards of Trustees are neglecting to fulfil the legal rights ticket holders have to a full refund and any reasonable costs under consumer protection legislation.

“Let’s be honest, if you purchased a defective shirt, you would not expect to be offered a 50 per cent refund on the basis of one sleeve being fine.

“It is clear this is a deliberate attempt not to give full refunds on the basis that many will not take the time to raise a small claims in the courts – what a racket.”

However, Pride Glasgow hit back at the claims, insisting those who purchased a single Saturday ticket for £10 received a full refund, adding a public letter will be issued “shortly” on the findings of its investigation into the issue.

A spokesman for Pride Glasgow said: “We have a website page which was set up after the event to give information on how to claim a refund.

“This page was edited on August 13 after 5pm to advise that the deadlines for refunds was now passed.

“This page remains active today and can be accessed from our homepage.

“No-one was refused entry on Sunday, July 15, therefore no refunds were provided for Sunday or for the Steps concert later that evening.

“Anyone affected who purchased a [£15] weekend wristband received 50 per cent refund. Those affected who purchased a Saturday-only ticket received a full refund, including booking fee where applicable.”

In response to the letter, Councillor Jennifer Layden, convener for equalities and human rights, said: “The events at this year’s Pride Glasgow reflect poorly on the organisation, and I share the wider concerns that have been raised about the tenability of the positions of those within the organisation.

“I have held initial discussions with council officers, and with different members of the LGBTI community in Glasgow over the past weeks in relation to these events, and there is a clear consensus that we need a new approach to Pride in the city.

“Councillor Susan Aitken and I have offered to meet with Mr Agnew to discuss his ideas on how to move forward, and the role that the council can play in facilitating discussions around what Pride should be in the city in the future.”