AN AMUSEMENTS owner today hit back over calls to ban fairground rides from Glasgow streets.

The Evening Times told last week how city councillor Nina Baker wanted to scrap the toddler attractions in pedestrian areas such as Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street.

Ms Baker claimed the rides were an eyesore and a hazard - and she was backed by Merchant City community council.

But fairground owner Georgia Codona, who runs a ride in Sauchiehall Street, is furious at the claims.

She said: "We provide a popular service for children during the holidays.

"In five years of operation we have never had a single complaint or accident and our safety record is exemplary.

"There are regular children who come to us every holiday and we have watched them grow.

"Parents who bring them here know this is a family-run business and they can trust us."

The street's fairground ride was the brainchild of Georgia's dad George Grahame, who fought for three years to gain a city centre licence.

Georgia and husband Cameron Codona took over the amusement, which runs for 20 weeks a year, three years ago.

The pair, who are members of the Showman's Guild of Great Britain, are also keen to dismiss claims the ride is bad for the environment.

They were relieved to have their licence extended for another two years recently.

Georgia added: "We use an enclosed generator to make it safer for the public and the emissions on the generator are capped, which gives it the lowest possible impact on the environment.

"I work with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and would be aware if my amusement was causing any damage.

"The ride is a very continental idea - they have them all over Europe, and I believe they add colour to Sauchiehall Street."

Some parents letting their kids use the ride agreed.

Grandmother Pauline Daly, from Rutherglen, insists the fairground attraction is great for youngsters.

She regularly brings her grandchildren Niamh, two, and Lewis, five, to play on the amusement.

The 51-year-old said: "The rides are a good incentive for the kids because they know that if they behave themselves while I'm out shopping then they can have a shot on them as a reward.

"It's much healthier than giving them sweets or a McDonald's.

"Just look at their happy wee faces and tell me the rides are a bad idea."

Amanda O'Rouke, from Dennistoun, brings her four-year-old son Kyle to the fairground as a treat.

The 22-year-old said: "There's no way this is an eyesore. It's nice and colourful and brightens up the place.

"There's a big bit of space in the middle of the street. I'd like to know what the council would put there instead, if not for the rides.

"It's cheap and fun and Kyle loves it. I don't see a problem."