Furious residents have hit out at a 'dangerous, illegal and upsetting' fireworks display which saw missiles aimed at homes.
Residents, who live in Clydebank's Radnor Park, have spoken of nightly distress after a group of youngsters gathered in Boquhanran Park to let off the explosives which on occasion are said to have targeted nearby homes.
The anti-social behaviour has been reported in multiple areas across the town with some claiming the fireworks have been let off "every day for the past six weeks."
One concerned resident took to Facebook in a desperate plea after the loud bangs were scaring her dog leaving it "absolutely terrified."
She said the display last week was "dangerous, illegal and upsetting for the whole community."
Claims have also been made that under 18s are selling the fireworks via social media networks Snapchat and Instagram to other underage youths in the area. Douglas McAllister, MP for West Dunbartonshire, is aware of this.
He said: "I have received complaints from residents concerning reports in the Kilbowie and Radnor Park area, of young people not just setting off fireworks very late into the night but also advertising to sell them to other very young people online.
"I am extremely concerned by this, and I have raised this with Police Scotland.
"The majority of residents are sick fed up with the unacceptable effects of those using fireworks inappropriately. It seems to get worse every year.
"I am actually of the view that it is such an outdated tradition which does more harm than good, and frankly, I would be quite happy to see an outright ban of fireworks with the exception of public fireworks displays regulated and properly organised."
As previously reported, illegal fireworks were allegedly seized as part of a joint policing operation in the central ward of Clydebank.
During the search cops alleged that various items were recovered including a quantity of illegal cigarettes/tobacco and fireworks.
A 30-year-old man was charged in connection with this incident.
Last year on Bonfire Night, Clydebank saw two incidents of firefighters being attacked whilst carrying out their duty.
More than 1,000 phone calls were made to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service who attended hundreds of incidents.
Ahead of this years celebrations, Local Area Commander for West Dunbartonshire, Chief Inspector Simon Shanks says the force are listening to concerned residents and dedicated patrols are being carried out across the town.
He said: “Sadly, we are seeing several incidents where fireworks are being misused. I fully understand the impact this antisocial behaviour has on our communities and I would like to reassure everyone that we are taking a robust approach against anyone involved in this activity.
"Dedicated patrols are in the areas affected and we will proactively target anyone who is intent on causing disruption or distress.
"A joint operation with Trading Standards this week resulted in a quantity of fireworks being seized in the Clydebank area. We are also visiting firework retailers across West Dunbartonshire to remind them of their responsibilities and answer any questions they may have.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with our partner agencies, sharing information to ensure our resources are where they need to be. I would encourage anyone with information about illegal fireworks to contact us."
Douglas McAllister, MP for West Dunbartonshire, added: "Many people do use fireworks safely and appropriately, however, those who don’t cause significant damage and danger to people and animals.
"It is unacceptable that our firefighters face such dangers each year because of irresponsible use of fireworks and bonfires.
"Any threats or assaults on our firefighters must not be tolerated, and I expect anyone who places our emergency workers keeping us safe under harm or endangers them deliberately in any way, should feel the full force of the law. "
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Area Commander Joe McKay is the Local Senior Officer for East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute.
He said: "Fireworks are explosives and need to be treated as such.
"Anyone misusing fireworks needs to be aware they are not only putting others in danger, they're putting themselves in danger too.
"We see people injured by fireworks every year and this can be avoided by having a bit of knowledge and respect for others.
"Anyone using or purchasing fireworks should be fully familiar with the Fireworks Code before doing anything else. The Code is available on our website and provides all key safety guidance to keep people safe."
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