Decision details

In the absence of Councillor Mark Lithgow, the motion was proposed by Councillor Sarah Wakefield and seconded by Councillor Caroline Ellis.

Councillor Wakefield stated that it was an RSPCA based motion and had been an issue she had raised last year and was now keen to see implemented. As the Environmental Services Portfolio Holder she had requested officers to amend the wording to reflect the Council’s restricted ability to enforce. The decibel requirement was also considered unrealistic.

Councillor Ellis strongly supported the motion and whilst fireworks were fun, their responsible use should be encouraged. These practical steps were for the Environmental Health and Communications teams to implement, and to lobby the Government to take action.

During the discussion, the following points were raised:-

·       A comment was made that considered the motion somewhat frivolous, with many of the actions already being undertaken as commercial events.

·       Concern was raised on adding existing workload to the Council’s officers in the various departments.

·       Councillors raised that they had received many emails from their constituents with issues caused to pets and livestock.

·       It was commented that public opinion on this matter was shifting, and whilst the motion did not affect a large material change without power to enforce, it added to the weight of growing concern and helped raise public awareness and showed that resident’s concerns were being listened to.

·       Equine horses and rural businesses had raised concerns over an absence of notice of private firework displays.

·       It was commented that the motion did not raise the dangerous risks associated with handling fireworks, especially in private.

RESOLVED that Full Council;

1.     To strongly recommend and advise that all public firework displays within this local authority boundaries be advertised effectively at least 7 days in advance of the event, to allow our residents particularly those living in the vicinity to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

2.     To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare, vulnerable people and our environment - including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate those risks.

3.     To write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks sold to the public for private displays in order to protect and safeguard animals and vulnerable people.

4.     To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.