A CONTROVERSIAL plan to charge for the switch on of Glasgow's Christmas lights has been scrapped.

Last month it was announced revellers wanting to attend the popular event in George Square would have to pay £2.50 for a ticket.

Organisers said the move was aimed at ensuring people lucky enough to get tickets actually turned up.

George Square has a capacity of 13,000 but last year 52,000 people requested a total of 260,000 tickets.

As in previous years, tickets were issued after a ballot with individuals allowed a maximum of six.

However last year, 2000 of the gold dust briefs went unused. leaving many families disappointed.

The decision to introduce a charge for the first time resulted in mixed reactions with some saying it would impact on the least well off in the city.

Glasgow Life bosses decided to look again at charging for what had been free tickets and decided to drop the plan this year.

But they have not ruled out introducing some form of charging next year to encourage people who get tickets to use them.

Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said: “We know how important the Glasgow Christmas lights switch-on is for so many people.

"Last year, George Square was 15% below capacity and 2000 people were needlessly disappointed because tickets were requested and not used on the night.

"We will be announcing details of the ballot for 2015 shortly and the tickets will remain free with 93% going to Glasgow addresses.

"We expect demand to be very high again and I hope people only request the tickets they need to attend this wonderful family event so as many people as possible get the chance to join us at the start of Glasgow Loves Christmas.”

Drumchapel/Anniesland councillor Paul Carey opposed the charge as soon as it was introduced and raised the issue with Glasgow Life.

He said:"I opposed this immediately and asked for the decision to be overturned and I am delighted Glasgow Life has taken on board my comments regarding this decision and have agreed to overturn it.

"I will continue to argue for tickets for this event to only go to people who live in Glasgow with the exception of the tickets that are allocated to the sponsors."

The Christmas lights in George Square will be switched on on November 15 and Glasgow on Ice will be back in George Square from November 27.

offering people the chance to skate under the stars in the heart of the city. The rink will open every day until Hogmanay except Christmas Day itself. George Square will also have fairground rides, bars and food as part of the Glasgow Loves Christmas experience.