A BID to tighten the rules on parades in Glasgow during the marching season was being discussed today by councillors.

The number of parades in the city has fallen by more than a quarter in two years and the cost of policing them is down £250,000.

But many city centre residents remain unhappy about the impact they have on businesses and qualify of life.

Two years ago, the city council introduced a code of conduct for public processions.

A consultation exercise was carried out into the changes and today the city council's executive committee considered the findings.

In 2009/10 there were almost 500 parades in the city but within two years the number had fallen to 362.

Around two thirds of people who responded to the consultation want a further cut.

Residents in some parts of the city have to endure five parades by the same organisation on the same day for the same event. One suggestion being considered by councillors would involve talks to cut the number of times organisations march.

A report said the council needed to strike a balance between the legitimate rights of organisers of public processions to freedom of expression and the rights of others to carry on their daily lives.

The Orange Order held 172 Glasgow parades last year but organisers point out only four were in the city centre.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk