Fireworks are a tricky issue for councils to have to deal with

FIREWORKS are a big issue at this time of year. I often hear from residents whose pets have been frightened by the loud bangs or who are angry about the noise nuisance, litter or pollution.

They’re also dangerous and cause thousands of injuries each year.

On the other hand, fireworks bring enjoyment to many people and are traditional for events such as Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

It’s a tricky issue as a councillor, because councils don’t have the legal power to control the use of fireworks. In fact, I wouldn’t support changing the law to require licences.

A new licensing regime would be expensive and bureaucratic to run. And it wouldn’t work – councils don’t have the resources to catch people in the act, so the irresponsible people would go ahead anyway.

It might even be more dangerous, if they bought their fireworks from dodgy retailers.

Personally, I favour a different approach. We should use education and social pressure to achieve the right balance, promoting organised displays and encouraging local shops to stop selling fireworks or stock only lower-decibel and eco-friendly versions.

The council already advises the use of low-noise fireworks as the most sustainable approach to animal and bird welfare and encourages responsible fireworks use through its own communications.

On top of this, councillors have agreed to ask government to ban the sale of louder fireworks to the public – there’s no need for 120 decibel bangers in private displays!

We’re also asking MPs to support educational efforts and help make B&NES a role model for ecofriendly, quiet, timely and predictable organised firework displays. Councillor Manda Rigby

Lib Dem councillor