Councillors to work together to combat growing number of ‘loud’ fireworks displays in Northampton

A motion had been submitted by Councillors Muna Cali and Rufia Ashraf which called on the authority to lobby the Government and local retailers to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks.

It was due to be discussed at Monday’s full council meeting (January 18), with the motion stating: “Fireworks have gone from being a once a year, bonfire night event to being used throughout the year to mark many different events. In fact, over Christmas and New Year they seem as popular as on Guy Fawkes. While they can bring much enjoyment to some people, they can cause significant problems and fear for animals and other people.”

But the motion was withdrawn as it covered a number of areas that the council were already working on – mainly on encouraging residents to advertise any shows in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

Councillor Ashraf told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It was withdrawn because there has been some work done along these already and we didn’t want to duplicate that.”

The motion had also called on council leader Jonathan Nunn to write to the Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90 decibels for those sold to the public for private displays, and to encourage local suppliers to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.

Councillor Ashraf said: “That’s a conversation we are now having around the table at the moment. We will need to find out what people want, so at some point we may do a consultation. There are more pressing issues at the moment, but we don’t want to forget it because we are still being contacted by people about this.”