POLICE yesterday locked up more than half of the entry points to one of Glasgow’s biggest parks after hundreds of people with alcohol were turned away last weekend.
Warm weather is expected to continue this weekend and many people are again expected to head to Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow’s West End.
Glasgow City Council (GCC) and Police Scotland have been working on a plan to manage access to the park through a limited number of open gates today – closing nine of the 16 entry points.
Stephen Egan, GCC’s head of parks and street scenes, said: “Kelvingrove Park remains a stunning open space but we cannot tolerate the anti-social behaviour that is being experienced in the park.
“So much of that behaviour is being fuelled by alcohol and we have to take steps to protect the park for everyone who wants to visit.
“Sadly, it is young people who are invariably involved in the disorder and we are increasingly concerned that many are actually putting themselves in harm’s way.
“We are very clear that alcohol is not welcome in Kelvingrove Park and we are urging parents and guardians to help us convey that message to their children.”
GCC said officers from its community enforcement team and Police Scotland knocked back 413 groups or individuals trying to enter with alcohol last weekend. Coronavirus travel restrictions and meeting limits were eased across Scotland last Friday.
Chief Inspector Natalie Carr said: “Officers will be visible and accessible to park users should they need police assistance.
“We have received reports of children and young people getting into vulnerable situations and I would like to appeal to parents and guardians to make sure they know their children’s whereabouts.
“One person has already been arrested, charged and is due to appear at court following an assault on a 19-year-old.
“We would like to remind anyone planning on visiting the park that alcohol is not permitted and should incidents of anti-social behaviour take place, then those responsible will be dealt with robustly.”
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