Pollokshields dispersal zone to come into force to curb Bonfire Night disorder

A dispersal zone is to be put in place in part of Glasgow’s southside over Halloween and Bonfire Night to deter fireworks-related disorder.

Police will implement the measure in Pollokshields after officers and emergency service workers were targeted by fireworks in previous years.

The force said the area had seen “unacceptable levels of damage to public property and groups of individuals causing fear and alarm through the criminal use of fireworks”.

The dispersal zone will come into force between October 31 and November 6.

A fireworks control zone will also be in place in Pollokshields and Govanhill, giving officers the power to direct a person to leave a specific area for up to 48 hours and not return if they are causing or are likely to cause anti-social behaviour. Those who do not comply will be arrested.

The aim is to deter fireworks-related disorder, which has been a recurring issue over the past few years.

Inspector Graeme Hogg said: “We fully understand the distress that was caused to many residents within Pollokshields in previous years, and we are committed to ensuring we mitigate against similar scenes arising this year.

“In addition to Firework Control Zones being implemented by Glasgow City Council, we will utilise the Dispersal Zone to request individuals we believe are intent on causing disorder to leave an area. If they refuse, we will take appropriate enforcement action.

“The Firework Control Zones and Dispersal Zones, coupled with the legislation under the Firework and Pyrotechnic Articles Act, provide us with a range of options to deter and respond to incidents of criminality involving fireworks, and we can also supplement our local policing resources with additional specialist resources as part of Police Scotland’s national Operation Moonbeam campaign.

“We want Halloween and Bonfire Night to be memorable for all the right reasons, so please help us keep this time of year safe and enjoyable for everyone and do not behave in a manner that puts yourself, or others, at risk and which will result in you facing arrest and prosecution.”

Fireworks control zone

Pollokshields and Govanhill will be within a firework control zone, making it a criminal offence to set off fireworks between October 30 and November 9.

The offence carries up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000. Signage will be posted to indicate the control zone boundary.

Glasgow City Council sent a letter to residents warning that setting off fireworks is prohibited in both public and private spaces, including back gardens. Sparklers are exempt.

According to the council, the decision was taken following consultation, which showed “strong public support”.

The zone’s border included the M77, St Andrews Road, Aikenhead Road, Prospecthill Road, Queen’s Drive and Titwood Road.