About Advertise with us Get our newsletter
Facebook Twitter Instagram

News

No entry to Kelvingrove Park for anyone carrying alcohol this Friday, says council

Council staff, with support from Police Scotland, will be stationed at the gates to make sure booze is not being brought into the park.

Council staff and police will be on the gates at Kelvingrove Park this Friday.

It will be the first time entrances will have been staffed as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

High temperatures are forecast (July 31) and a large turnout is expected to enjoy the good weather.

 Entrances are being staffed as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour. Google image
Entrances are being staffed as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour. Google image

Previous hot spells have seen large crowds gather with no regard for social-distancing rules that are still in place.

Authorities say alcohol - which is illegal anyway in public places in Glasgow - makes people lower their guard.

Booze has also been blamed on violence, people urinating in public, littering and criminal damage.

Earlier this month ten out of sixteen gates at the park were locked to allow better management of access on busy days.

On Friday, council staff, with support from Police Scotland, will be stationed at the gates that remain open.

People carrying alcohol will either be asked to leave or be given the option of dumping their alcohol in specially provided bins before entering the park.

'Violence'

George Gillespie is executive director at Glasgow City Council.

He said: “Kelvingrove Park is there for everyone to enjoy, but we have been very concerned about recent reports from the park of violence, anti-social behaviour and a frequent refusal to follow physical distancing rules during the Covid emergency.

“Much of this unacceptable behaviour has been fuelled by alcohol and it has created an atmosphere that is intimidating and unwelcoming to many residents who regularly use the park.

“The issues in the park required a response to protect the amenity of the park for all parts of the community.

"Having officers stationed at open gates to enforce the park management rules will help to ensure that the park is a safe place for all people to visit.

“The simple message is that if you come to the park with alcohol you won’t get in.

 Ten out of sixteen gates at the park have been locked to allow better management of access on busy days.
Ten out of sixteen gates at the park have been locked to allow better management of access on busy days.

"Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy Kelvingrove Park, but alcohol should be left behind.

"Like any other open space in the city, anyone who is found to be drinking alcohol within the park is liable to receive a fine from the police.”

The council has liaised regularly with Police Scotland to develop the response to issues in the park.

Superintendent Ross Allan said:"Police Scotland is working closely with Glasgow City Council to prevent repeated incidents of antisocial behaviour from occuring in Kelvingrove Park.

'Assistance'

“Officers will be visible and accessible to park users should they need police assistance.

"We would like to remind anyone planning on visiting the park that alcohol is not permitted and, should incidents of antisocial behaviour take place, then those responsible will be dealt with robustly."

The changes to park access is a part of a wider effort to ensure Kelvingrove Park is safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors.

Measures such additional bins, enhanced mobile CCTV in the park and engagement with youngers groups through youth services providers have all been undertaken as well as identifying alternative activities in local communities.

Share this story
Glasgow West End Today Loading