FURIOUS locals have demanded council chiefs ban an “unbearable” Christmas event near their homes.
The Winter Wonderland in Glasgow Green was rolled out to replace the Christmas markets in George Square – which couldn’t go ahead due to renovation works.
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A Winter Wonderland was set up in Glasgow Green due to the renovation of George SquareCredit: Alamy
Locals are up in arms over plans for the event to returnCredit: Alamy
But the festive gala could be set to go ahead again this year in the park with a contract in place for the wonderland to return, STV News reports.
Dozens of locals in Calton, near Glasgow Green, objected to the council about the event.
A petition was signed by 85 people who said they felt “disregarded” and do not want the event to be permanent.
They claim to have been plagued by excessive noise and say some people living near the park go away for a week when an event is being held.
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Others claim Winter Wonderland left damage to the park.
Community Councillor Arthur McJimpsey said: “It was unbearable, the noise levels were unbearable up to 10pm. I sound like the Grinch here, but I’m not. If you stayed where I live, you would be sitting here along with me.
“A lot of my neighbours that can afford it, go away for the weekend or a week, it’s become that bad.”
Resident Jo Shoba said people may consider moving home if the event becomes a permanent thing.
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She said: “We want reassurance that we are not facing that annually because people will have to move.”
Ms Shoba added: “We want to draw attention, not just to the lack of transparency in consultation, in the rushed process of planning this event, there is an aftermath of damage to the green itself.
“Large areas have been left bare, and the ground will take many weeks, if not months, to recover. It all forms part of a broader picture we see of neglect of Glasgow’s historic Green.
“We see a lack of investment and its opposite, namely commercial exploitation for private gain.”
The council apologised for the lack of consultation with residents before the Christmas zone was set up, instead they were contacted after.
“Procurement timescales” were blamed for the lack of communication. Officials have vowed to make sure communication goes ahead.
The petition also calls for Glasgow Green to be established as recreation zone rather than event space.
An official added events at Glasgow Green “increases the economic value and tourism to the city, allowing for investment into city amenities”.
They added no noise regulations were broken during Winter Wonderland.
A new report on the issue will be presented to the Wellbeing, Equalities, Communities, Culture and Engagement City Policy Committee later this year.
Residents complained about excessive noiseCredit: Alamy