BANGS of conscience
Calls for fireworkfree zones and tighter firework restrictions have been backed by South Lanarkshire Council.
Councillors unanimously supported a motion from Clydesdale North councillor Julia Marrs at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday, September 23.
Chief executive Cleland Sneddon, above, will now write to the UK Government to seek the tightening of reserved powers over fireworks sales.
The move, backed by all political groups at the council, asks government to allow firework- free zones to be created around places such as retirement homes, hospitals and animal shelters.
The council also backed:
■ The introduction of greater restrictions on private use of fireworks;
■ A limit on the times of day fireworks can be used;
■ A public notification system for private displays;
■ And mandatory safety advice for those buying fireworks.
Currently, firework regulations are governed by a mishmash of UK and Scottish legislation, with local authorities responsible for licensing their sale.
Presenting the motion to council, Cllr Marrs said: “Fireworks are an emotive subject.
“Whether it’s New Year, Christmas or November 5,fireworks provide pleasure for some and extreme distress for others.
“Whilst we know that a wellorganised display can be a positive event, bringing communities together, all too often current legislation and regulations allow for anti- social behaviour to be conflated with the sale of fireworks resulting in distress and danger.
“I’m sure members here today will, like me, be very aware of year-on-year concerns regarding vulnerable groups, the elderly, those for whom loud noises are particularly distressing, and animals. That legislation over the sale, use and licensing is spread over three spheres of government, and can’t reasonably b be considered in isolation, makes improvement of an imperfect situation very difficult.
“To this end I would call upon council to support the changes being considered by the Scottish Government and to ensure a cohesive and holistic approach to regulating this area, request that regulations over the sale of fireworks held in Westminster are tightened.”
Seconded by Cllr Catherine Mcclymont (Clydesdale North), the motion called for the council to back the introduction of greater restrictions on private use of fireworks and the creation of firework- free zones around retirement homes, hospitals and animal shelters.
Cllr Marrs also called for the council to support a limit on the times of day fireworks can be used, a public notification system for private displays and mandatory safety advice for those buying fireworks.
After it was supported by all political groups, the council will now officially back a series of recommendations from the Scottish Government made in its Consultation on Fireworks in Scotland and an associated action plan.
South Lanarkshire Council have also created new information pages on their website regarding fireworks and bonfires which is available at southlanarkshire.gov.uk/fireworks