DRUMCHAPEL’S fireworks display this year could still go ahead despite public safety concerns nearby, community leaders have said.

Winterfest on November 5 last year went off without a hitch but streets nearby were plagued by dozens of attacks on homes and residents.

Organisers had hoped to persuade Glasgow Life to move their Glasgow Green fireworks display to another night so police resources would not be stretched.

But that idea was rejected and more meetings are scheduled to plan out exactly how the 10th annual Winterfest can go ahead in 2018.

Councillor Paul Carey, who has been working with Bailie Malcolm Balfour said there is another meeting scheduled for April 18 on the future of Winterfest but he remains hopeful.

He told the Post: “I have never known Winterfest to be under so much threat.

“We are going to have to try to run it again on November 5 this year but police will need to identify individuals, particularly those selling fireworks from the back of the van.

“I’m confident Winterfest will go ahead. But if there are problems again after this year, then it will have to move to November 4 or 6.

“I’m adamant they don’t move it this year. The onus is on the community. They’re going to have to work with us and police to identify individuals.”

Proposals to put up temporary fencing and floodlighting are still be considered during Winterfest, said Cllr Carey. He said more permanent fencing might be needed at some point and hoped the lighting would be a better deterrent to those wanting to cause trouble.

Last year fireworks were aimed at homes and cops, while one pyrotechnic reportedly hit a gas meter – and another narrowly missed a resident’s head.

Nobody was injured in the spate of anti-social and disorder attacks, which police said took place between about 5pm and 10pm on November 5.

Witnesses said about 30-50 youths were involved in the trouble between Halgreen Avenue, Abbotshall Avenue, Drumry Road East and the Antonine Road.

Winterfest is credited with a 75 per cent decrease in bonfires since it started up with a total of more than 100,000 people attending the safe events over the past decade.