THE popular GlasGLOW event has hit back at critics who suggested the event should be scrapped due to coronavirus.

The Hallowe’en illumination display is set to return to the West End’s Botanic Gardens later this month.

However, a handful of residents and local groups have expressed their concern over a potential spike in Covid-19 cases due to the number of people in

attendance.

A source told the Glasgow Times locals feared people would travel from all over the country to attend the event – despite government guidance to avoid travelling to the central belt due to the rise in case numbers.

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Others are furious over the temporary closure of parts of the beloved gardens, which have become a vital “lifeline” for those living in the West End to escape to during the pandemic.

However, GlasGLOW organisers itison has insisted the event is as safe as “visiting zoos, safari parks or other botanical gardens” which were allowed to reopen in the

summer.

An itison spokeswoman said: “Our number one priority is the safety of our audience and people in the area, so this year we’ve reduced visitor numbers, widened paths, removed any touch points and have a full-time cleaning and stewarding crew to ensure everyone is safe.

“There will be significantly fewer people in the Botanic Gardens at any one time at GlasGLOW fully supervised than in the gardens during a typical weekend day.

“We’ve been inundated with thousands of messages of support online, in emails and in the gardens during the current build phase.

“We’re aware it causes some

disruption with temporary closure of short paths in the gardens and we’re sorry if it’s impacted some locals, however the majority of the gardens are open as usual.”

She added: “We’ve responded to six letters from local individuals and groups expressing concern and we’ve aimed to respond giving comfort of a very controlled plan and activity.

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“We have distributed hundreds of pumpkins to local schools, hospitals and community groups to take part in GlasGLOW and donated 1000 tickets to local families. GlasGLOW also creates 100 jobs in the creative sector.”