The council has warned of strict safety checks planned for Glasgow shops that are eager to sell fireworks next month.

Ahead of Bonfire night, the city’s Trading Standards team are vetting retailers who are applying for licences to store pyrotechnics.

Shops will be thoroughly inspected to guarantee that the space is safe and, if granted a license, they will face random undercover test purchases to ensure that no fireworks are being sold to people under the age of 18.

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The "stringent safety checks" come after a Glasgow shopkeeper was prosecuted and fined £15000 in March of this year when he was found to have stored “highly flammable fireworks” in a ceiling void beneath tenement flats without a license.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Glasgow's Convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: "These safety checks are extremely important and help protect the public.

“This year's court case highlights the danger to life when fireworks are not stored correctly.

“Our Trading Standards team's vigilance helped prevent a potential disaster when they found fireworks concealed in a roof void below homes."

Next year will see the council given more power over the sale and use of fireworks across the city.

This includes the introduction of “Firework Control Zones” where the use of fireworks would be banned, even on private land.

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Cllr Kelly said: "Fireworks are a very divisive subject, some people enjoy them, but others dread the run-up to November 5.  

“Animals, older people and young children can be frightened by the noise and reckless misuse of fireworks can obviously lead to serious injuries and damage to property.

“We look forward to the new legislation coming into force which will give councils more powers to tackle problematic use of fireworks. “

“Ahead of that, the council is working with partners including Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue to do everything within our power to ensure businesses play their part in making Bonfire Night a safe and enjoyable occasion."

Anyone with concerns about a Glasgow store selling fireworks is urged to e-mail the council's Trading Standards team with details at ts.enquiries@eps.glasgow.gov.uk.