Councillors call for tighter controls on firework sales

While many families enjoy colourful light displays to mark special occasions such as Bonfire Night, Diwali and New Year, peak firework periods can prove an upsetting time for others, such as those with pets or people who are sensitive to loud bangs.

There have been several social media posts in recent weeks highlighting the use of fireworks long before or after November 5 – and in some cases people have said that fireworks have led to animals suffering shock and injuries as a result of hearing the sudden explosions.

On Wednesday, members of Cannock Chase Council backed a motion to call on the Government to change legislation on the sale and use of fireworks. They shared experiences of children, dogs and horses upset by the noises.

Councillor Paul Witton said: “If it was left to me I would ban the sale of all fireworks to the public because there have been injuries and lots of trauma caused by irresponsible people.”

Councillor Olivia Lyons said: “It can be incredibly distressing for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and for people with dementia. And it’s dangerous – over 4,000 people have presented to A&E with firework-related injuries.”

Members of the council from across the political spectrum supported Bryan Jones’ motion, which asked the authority’s managing director to write to the Minister for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Kwasi Kwartang.

Isolation

Councillor Jones said: “We are all aware that the use of fireworks has substantially increased in recent years. What was once a yearly occurrence shortly before and on Bonfire Night has now become a year-round event.

"While many people enjoy fireworks, sadly this has led to an increase in anti-social behaviour and considerable distress being caused to domestic pets, horses, farm animals and other wildlife. Animals affected not only suffer psychological distress but can also cause themselves injuries, sometimes very serious ones as they attempt to run or hide from the noise.

“The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has also affected many people causing increased isolation and mental health issues. The constant impact of fireworks being discharged has the potential to have a detrimental effect on many people’s wellbeing.

“Many councillors share the concerns of many pet owners, farmers and other people who are adversely affected by the constant use of fireworks and hope that members across the chamber do too.”

Councillors backed recommendations in an RSPCA report on the issue, which is calling for limits on public sale and use of fireworks to specific dates; tighter restrictions on the sale of fireworks in the run up to November 5; a reduction in the maximum noise level of fireworks to the public; raise awareness of the effects of fireworks season on pets, livestock and local wildlife; and further research to understand the impact of firework noise on animals.