Bagpipes could be banned from home of World Pipe Band Championships under “draconian” Glasgow City Council park proposals
THE drastic council plans would also ban commercial activity such as professional dog walkers or fitness classes without written consent, and ban cycling over 5mph, amongst other restrictions.
BAGPIPES and other musical instruments could be banned from the home of the World Pipe Band Championships.
Drastic council proposals mean letting dogs run off the lead, playing organised sport and hanging out washing could also be outlawed at Glasgow Green.
Friends of Glasgow Green will meet tomorrow to decide their official response to the city-wide plans, which they described as “draconian”.
Martin Dean, who heads the volunteer group, said: “While some thought regulations are needed, others are thinking that it goes a bit too far.
“What might make sense for one park, might not for another.
“For example, the rules about washing. Glasgow Green has washing lines as part of its heritage. We get people using them from time to time, and we love that.
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“We also get single pipers every now and then, and that wouldn’t be allowed.
“In the lead-up to the World Pipe Band Championships, we get people coming down to practice.
“So some of the proposals make no sense for Glasgow Green.”
The proposals also include a 5mph speed limit for cyclists and a ban on scattering loved ones’ ashes.
Gatherings of more than 20 people are on the council’s hit list, as are military recruitment, drills and practices.
Glasgow Green has belonged to the city’s citizens since 1450, when it was used for washing, bleaching linen, grazing, drying fishing nets and for swimming.
It has long been a site for protest and political action, including meetings of suffragettes and demonstrations against the Reform Bill in the 1830s.
Friends of Glasgow Green are part of a network of 30 volunteer groups helping to maintain the city’s green spaces.
They were not consulted before the proposals were written but have been invited to respond to the consultation.
Martin believes the history of the green means the proposals are unworkable.
He added: “We are very concerned about the heritage of the green. It is there for all of Glasgow and is part of the history of the city.
“It is the green lung and we want people to be there and enjoy it.
“We have only had a few initial discussions but some people have said they seem a bit over the top and draconian.
“Some people think these rules are in place already, and won’t be enforced, but other people say you don’t know what is going to happen in the future.
“But these are only initial comments, and our position will be clearer after our full meeting on Thursday.”
An insider said the 2011 Kelvingrove riot, an unofficial Royal Wedding party that spiralled out of control, was one of several factors behind the proposals.
During the disturbances, a police officer was taken to hospital and arrests made for drunk and disorderly behaviour.
Taxpayers stumped up almost £24,000 to clean up the mess.
Those who want to have their say on the proposals have until February 14.
A council spokesman said: “The park management rules are reviewed every 10 years.
“The main aim of this consultation is to simplify the rules and make it easier for visitors and the people of Glasgow to enjoy the city’s parks.
“We want to ensure people can enjoy the parks without being caused any nuisance and that park users behave in a considerate, safe and responsible manner.
“It is hoped as many interested parties as possible will let us know their views by taking part in the consultation.”
Some of the proposed legislation for Glasgow’s parks and green spaces.
Dogs must be kept on a short lead or under close control.
The proposals say a short lead is a maximum of 6ft 6in and close control means that the dog is able to respond to commands and kept close at heel.
It will be forbidden for one person to exercise more than three dogs at a time.
Written permission will be needed from the executive director of Glasgow City Council’s Land and Services director to do the following:
Organise or take part in any performance, event, ceremony, exhibition, assembly or procession or such activity.
Display or distribute any advertising material.
Use any radio-controlled equipment.
Play or practice any sports in contravention of any notice.
Play or practice any organised sport.
Operate any radio or similar apparatus, play any musical instrument or play any form of amplified music or speech.
Dispose of the cremated remains of a deceased person.
Hang linen or other material, beat, shake, sweep, brush or cleanse any carpet, rug mat, or other article.
There is also a ban of “commercial activity” without written consent.
These include professional dog walking, fitness classes, outdoor education of children, paid guided walks and performances, events or ceremonies that cost money to go to.