Locals back firework ban after an incident in Pollockshields
Pollockshields locals are backing plans for a Scottish Government consultation on fireworks, after an incident on Bonfire Night last year left residents riled.
Earlier this week, the Scottish Government launched a public consultation by asking whether or not people across the country think there should be more stringent control over the public sale of fireworks.
The people of Pollocksheilds say, if the government wants to secure their backing, they’ll need to ban the recreational use of fireworks altogether.
This follows a series of rogue displays in the area in November of last year, where some 40 masked thugs set off the explosives during a random attack, causing a disturbance that one resident likened to “a warzone.”
Voice of the resident’s movement, Danny Phillips said: “We welcome this consultation, we expect action this year to restrict the sale of fireworks, to restrict their use and we want enough police on our streets so they can enforce the laws we have.”
Pollockshields local and secondary school teacher Suzanne McLean, 29, added: “Fireworks are a nightmare for teachers.
“Young people get their hands on them far too easily, despite age restrictions and can and have caused serious damage to themselves and others.”
SNP MSP and Minister for Community Safety in Scotland, Ash Denham, told the BBC: “From conversations with members of the public and emergency service workers, I am aware of concern about the use and sale of fireworks to individuals.
“While much of existing legislation on the sale of fireworks is reserved to Westminster, we hope this consultation will identify any gaps in the law and highlight where the regulation of fireworks could be improved.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon issued a statement to the press supporting these amendments, following the disturbances in her constituency last year.
She said: “If the police have to respond next year to the scale of what happened this year then we will have failed.
“I think we should be moving to a situation where fireworks should be effectively banned unless you are going to an organised event.”
According to a government Twitter poll posted on Sunday, 86% of those surveyed think we should have tighter controls over the public sale of fireworks.
Alongside the online survey, the Scottish Government will be hosting a series of events where individuals, communities and professionals are invited to share their views on firework legislation.
For details and to have your say, go to www.consult.gov.scot/safer-communities/fireworks
The official consultation closes on 13th May 2019.
By Katy Johnston
