By Tristan Stewart-Robertson

OPEN ground in Drumchapel could be fenced off and floodlit come November to combat the anti-social behaviour seen in last year's Bonfire Night.

The area hosted a successful ninth annual Winterfest on November 5 and there was no trouble at it.

But nearby streets saw police attend dozens of incidents during and after Winterfest, prompting councillors and police to consider how to improve the 2018 event.

Councillor Paul Carey and Bailie Malcolm Balfour said they initially considered whether Winterfest should be held on November 4 or 6 while police resources on Bonfire Night are focused on Glasgow Green.

They said that could instead result in a return to the "bad old days" of widespread bonfires and disruption for the emergency services.

There were more than 30 incidents in Drumchapel on Bonfire Night - double the number from a year earlier.

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.

Winterfest is credited with a 75 per cent decrease in bonfires since it started up.

Cllr Carey told the Clydebank Post: "The problem was not with Winterfest - it was afterwards and with open spaces.

"We would fence off the spaces temporarily and put flood lights on so nobody could hide in there.

"We are going to recommend Winterfest not moving. Moving it might cause additional problems in ward 14 as a whole.

"It would just send the wrong signal and would just start up the bad old days. We are hoping to address the problems police have highlighted. We are very keen to work in partnership with them."

He added: "Winterfest has been going for nine years and saw a dramatic decrease in bonfires. If it moved, police and the fire service would be stretched on that night. It would be much better to find a solution to policing Winterfest along with Glasgow Green."

Cllr Carey said they were also wanting to tackle individuals selling rogue fireworks in the area.

More than 700 fireworks were sent into the air as part of Winterfest and there was a performance by 2016 X Factor favourite Emily Middlemas, fun fair rides and dozens of stalls.

Bailie Balfour told the Post: "The problem was not Winterfest. It was the area surrounding it. I'm working closely with Cllr Carey on this - these things must be cross party.

"We thought about moving the date initially but that would leave nothing in that area on the fifth. We are going to discuss this with the police in the future.

"It's imperative that Winterfest continues and that's the end game."

In a statement to the Post before Christmas, Drumchapel police said they had a productive meeting with local councillors and would continue to work together to ensure safety of those attending future events and minimise disruption to the community.