Fireworks consultation....Have your say!!

Bradford Council urges everyone to have their say on nuisance Fireworks survey

Bradford Council wants residents to have their say on tighter restrictions on the use of fireworks by encouraging them to take part in a national survey.

The Government opened a national consultation on ‘Fireworks and Pyrotechnics in the UK’ last month which runs until midnight on Wednesday, 7 October.

Individuals, businesses and organisations are being encouraged to have their say on proposals to:

·        Restrict the availability of noisier fireworks to the general public

·        Add more items to the list of banned pyrotechnic products under the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015

·        Review regulations for fireworks and pyrotechnic products currently classified as lower risk.

The Council, which is currently running a ‘Bang Out of Order’ campaign to raise awareness of the distress caused by noisy fireworks throughout the year and late at night, is urging people to take part in the consultation. Responses will shape changes in law to clampdown on the use and availability of loud fireworks.

Over recent weeks, Council officers have liaised with local wedding venues to get their support in stopping people using fireworks as part of the celebrations, and with local fireworks campaign groups to raise awareness and encourage people to think again before using fireworks. ‘Bang Out of Order’ posters and leaflets have also been distributed to businesses and organisations across the district and the word spread across community groups.

Cllr Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said: “Fireworks have been a headache for people living in our district for many years and we share the frustration felt by many. We would encourage people to take part in this consultation and try to get national laws changed which will finally cut the noise and distress experienced by so many.”

Residents across the district have complained about fireworks for several years, as they disturb sleep, cause distress to people with a noise sensitivity, upset pets and wildlife and can affect disorders such as PTSD.

The link to the survey is - https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk

If you cannot respond online, you may send your response by email to fireworksconsultation@businessandtrade.gov.uk, using the response form on this page.

Written responses can also be sent to: Fireworks – Sectors Policy Team, Office for Product Safety and Standards, Department for Business and Trade, Old Admiralty Building, Admiralty Place, London SW1A 2DY

When responding, please state whether you are responding as an individual or representing the views of an organisation