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, Drumchapel 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.

“The impact of the behaviour of a few will be felt by many within Drumchapel and the surrounding area. If Police Scotland believe it to be too risky they can withdraw their support and the event would not take place.

“The future of Winterfest is in the hands of the community and residents need to take responsibility for their actions and those of their children. As do any visitors from other areas that attend.

“This is a plea to the community of Drumchapel and beyond to come together and work with the supporting services to end this type of behaviour, as we will all lose out in the end.”

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 l it was terrifying. Even if it does go ahead, l will not be taking my kids.”

Cllr Carey told the Post: “This is serious. If we don’t come up with a solution and police withdraw their support, Winterfest will collapse.

“Nobody wants it to be cancelled because we know the downside.”

Area commander Chief Inspector Morag Lister said Winterfest was popular and they continue to work with others to make sure the community is safe.

She said: “However, over the last two years, we have unfortunately seen a rise in anti-social behaviour in and around the festival. As area commander I wish to ensure the safety of all those who attend the event as well as the those who live and work within the local community.

“With this in mind Police Scotland has met and continue to work in partnership with elected members, community based groups and Glasgow City Council to ensure that if this year’s Winterfest event takes place it is as safe as possible for those attending and working at it and is an event enjoyed by all.”