Labour councillors want to tackle growing number of 'loud' firework displays in Northampton

Two Labour councillors are so concerned over how regular fireworks displays are becoming that they have submitted a motion to full council.

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

To be discussed at next Monday’s full council meeting (January 18), the motion states: “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.

“It is not only domestic animals but also farm livestock and wild animals who can suffer psychological distress and injuries, sometimes very serious ones, as they attempt to run away or hide from the noise. The unpredictable loud and high intensity noises that many fireworks make can cause fear.

“The RSPCA believes the law is failing as it does not prevent or sufficiently reduce the risk of fireworks causing distress, injury or anxiety to people, as well as death, injury or distress to animals.”

The councillors are hoping to persuade fellow councillors to agree to the motion’s objectives – which would require all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

It asks the council to actively promote a public awareness campaign via social media about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.

And council leader Jonathan Nunn will be urged 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.

The motion will require the support of a large number of Conservative councillors in order to be passed and adopted during the online meeting.