A COUNCILLOR says a public fireworks display for Bonfire Night should be reinstated because it is "safer" and reduces fireworks misuse.  

Cllr Jon Molyneux, Scottish Greens, is calling for Glasgow Life to reconsider their decision to cancel the annual event saying the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) ‘strongly supports’ the city having an organised event on November 5.  

The SFRS says "our advice is to always attend an organised bonfire and fireworks display" on their website page for Bonfire Safety. 

However, for people living in Glasgow that hasn’t been an option since 2019 without travelling outside of the city.  

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The Glasgow Times reported last week that Glasgow Life has confirmed that Bonfire Night celebrations won’t go ahead again this year, saying cancelling the event is more "environmentally friendly" and causes less disruption to local residents.  

Craig Campbell, the SFRS’s Group Commander for Glasgow City, says having organised events can reduce "fire-related antisocial behaviour" and highlighted such events are properly risk assessed. 

Cllr Molyneux commented: "Fire service workers are quite right that organised fireworks displays are safer and reduce the harms associated with fireworks misuse. 

"That’s one reason why elected councillors agreed, earlier this year, to call on Glasgow Life to reinstate its annual fireworks event at Glasgow Green. 

"We now know that the costs of doing this could be supported by the civic hospitality budget, which is currently underspent.  

"Given that the Council is taking very welcome steps to consult on a potential fireworks control zone across the whole city, it’s high time that the chair of Glasgow Life considered this seriously, taking on board the clear will of councillors, the strong view of the public, and the expert input of frontline fire service staff."

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Last week at the full council meeting on Thursday, September 12, cllr Molyneux asked whether the Common Good Fund could be used to help fund an annual civic fireworks display, as other council areas do.  

However, cllr Annette Christie said the display was estimated to cost around £350,000 and would put pressure on the Common Good Fund, and said she believes the money could be better spent elsewhere.  

Group Commander Campbell said: "The advice of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remains that people should attend public firework and bonfire events, where possible. 

"Organised events are risk assessed thoroughly and can help to reduce fire related anti-social behaviour elsewhere. 

"Where there are no organised events arranged locally, we encourage the public to follow safety guidance related to bonfire and firework safety."

Colin Brown, executive council member of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Scotland, added: "The FBU support the position that SFRS have outlined, it is far safer and causes less disturbance for local communities when official, publicly organised bonfires and fireworks displays are held."

READ NEXT: Councillor proposes using Common Good Fund to reinstate Bonfire Night event

We previously reported Pollokshields has been designated as the first Firework Control Zone (FCZ) in the city.

This means the use of fireworks, except sparklers, will be prohibited from Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 10.

The ban covers both public and private spaces, including gardens, after being approved by a review panel consisting of council, police and fire service officials.

Glasgow Life has been contacted for comment.