Safety review after big snowfall

Police said "spirits were high" despite heavy snowfall

Police said it was "fortunate" only 3,000 people were stranded in Glasgow during heavy snowfall at the weekend.

Revellers found shelter in a nightclub, hotel and bus station after snow caused the roads infrastructure to collapse.

Police commander David Christie said "everyone did their level best" but added: "We're fortunate only 3,000 were stranded and we'll reflect on that."

Strathclyde Police have decided to review their emergency plan with club owners after the incident.

Mr Christie said he would now look at what could be done to provide shelter in future emergencies.

Health and safety is something clubs care about, there is a willingness to help Eddie Tobin Glasgow Nightclub Forum Read stranded clubbers' comments

Strathclyde Police operates a city centre plan in Glasgow every weekend.

This operation aims to cope with tens of thousands of revellers who descend on restaurants, bars and clubs.

Chief Superintendent Christie, divisional commander for the city centre and west end, said: "The thrust of it is to have as many police officers as possible to get them home safely."

In the early hours of Sunday, police said the snowfall "caused the traffic infrastructure to almost collapse".

This left 3,000 people stranded as taxis and buses stopped running.

'Warm areas'

Police contacted The Garage nightclub, Central Hotel and Buchanan Bus Station to take in revellers "for their safety and health".

Mr Christie said: "This allowed us to get people into warm areas.

"The severity of the weather was unexpected and it caught us all out.

"A lot of people were unprepared, particularly young ladies.

"Because of the weather there was little violence, spirits were very high."

Police said they had "sufficient officers" on the ground and the operation "worked well".

Mr Christie added: "We got people from the cold into warmth, from our perspective it was very successful.

"In terms of it happening again, we'll get in touch with the nightclub forum to ensure we have residence in future.

"We had 3,000 people located, luckily it was the number we could cater for."

'Well-prepared'

Glasgow was brought to a standstill by snowfall

Police said buses and taxis were able to get into the city centre by 0700 GMT.

Senior officers contacted Glasgow City Council's emergency planning officer when the snow fell.

The local authority said 44 gritters and 130 staff were working to clear roads.

A spokeswoman said main roads were open and the council was "well-prepared".

Eddie Tobin, chairman of Glasgow Nightclub Forum, said he would work with police.

He said: "We'll look to fit in with the police plan.

"Health and safety is something clubs care about.

"There is a willingness to help.

"We have the same objectives but wear different uniforms."