Winterfest in battle for future after blast fears
THE future of Drumchapel’s Winterfest celebrations will be decided in the coming weeks as community leaders plead with residents to work to combat trouble.
While the 2017 festivities on November 5 went off without any trouble, there were dozens of incidents afterwards and in nearby areas, with explosives launched at members of the public, homes, and emergency services.
Councillor Paul Carey and Bailie Malcolm Balfour have been working with police and others to ensure the 2018 party still goes ahead, warning of a return to the days with dozens of bonfires being combated by police and fire officers.
They have previously pitched floodlighting and fencing off open ground areas to prevent youths congregating and causing trouble while thousands attend the main event.
In total across the past 10 years of Winterfest, more than 100,000 people have attended.
But after a recent meeting, Drum- chapel Community Council warned Winterfest may still be cancelled and hit out at those who protected the youths causing trouble.
Writing on Facebook, they stated: “November was particularly disturbing due to a number of persons using illegal fireworks and directing them towards individuals, property and emergency service staff.
“It would appear that two cars were noted to have been distributing these to youths within the community.
“An investigation took place and the community were asked to assist in providing information leading to the identification of any of those involved. Disappointingly no new information was provided.”
But some residents responding to the Facebook post said Winterfest should be cancelled.
One said: “I’m 100 per cent for it being cancelled
And another said: “I live on Abbotshall Avenue and these wee idiots aimed fireworks at my kids and it was terrifying. Even if it does go ahead, l will not be taking my kids.”