Alarm as fireworks at school wake locals
Residents say they got no notice of display
A resident in Dollar has told how they were awakened by loud explosions, which turned out to be a fireworks display at a local school.
The large pyrotechnics were set off at Dollar Academy on Saturday evening as part of its annual ball.
One nearby resident, who does not wish to be named, says she was jolted from her bed shortly before 11pm on Saturday by the display and says she was given no prior notification.
She said: “It lasted for about five to10 minutes, but it was very loud.
“It’s been going on for a number of years and has led to some bad feeling in Dollar.
“There are lots of people talking about it on community Facebook pages. Some of the residents living close to the school received letters telling them. But people in other streets received nothing. I never got a letter about it.
“It’s not a good thing for any pets, young children or vulnerable adults.
“Last year’s one was particularly noisy. In the past the academy said it would take our concerns in to consideration in future but nothing has changed.”
The school confirmed this week that the display was part of the summer ball celebrations and says that it has taken place for the last eight years. A Dollar Academy spokesperson added: “On June 3, we delivered a letter to 150 residences bordering the school to inform people about the fireworks. The (Clackmnannanshire) council was also notified of the firework display, as per our licence, and acknowledged receipt of the notification.
“We are nevertheless very mindful of our wider relationship with the town and so we are currently discussing ways in which we can improve our communication for next year.”
Clacks Council this week confirmed that the school holds a Public Entertainment Licence, issued under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act, 1982, which includes consent to use fireworks in accordance with the relevant laws.
A council spokesperson said: “They are subject to an additional local condition which requires the licence holder to notify the council of any event where fireworks will be released at least 21 days in advance of the event.
“The Fireworks (Scotland) Regulations, 2004, prohibits the use of adult fireworks during ‘night hours’. Night Hours are defined as 11pm to 7am the following day.
“Dollar Academy have complied with the conditions of the licence on each occasion that fireworks have been used for public entertainment purposes.”