Agenda item

To consider the report.

To accept the report, noting the observations made during the meeting.

The Assistant Head of Environment Department submitted the report concisely to explain the procedures associated with fireworks.

The Cabinet Member reiterated this by noting that the purpose of the report was to respond to a notice of motion that had been adopted by the Full Council at its meeting on 3 December 2020.

It was explained that there were statutory requirements relating to the sale and storage of fireworks, what types were permitted as well as noise restrictions and sale periods.

In relation to regulation, it was noted that the Council had statutory powers relating to noise, but there was a need to gather evidence over a period of time. It was noted that the type of concerns arising from fireworks was the antisocial use which was a matter referred to the attention of the police, rather than noise in general.

The role of the Council in solving this was discussed, namely to hold campaigns to raise awareness on responsible use, working with the Fire Service, preparing press releases, using social media to promote good use (the example in appendix 2 was referenced). It was explained that the law restricted the Council's ability to change regulations regarding fireworks.

During the discussion, the following observations were submitted by members:-

- The member welcomed the report and suggested that the fireworks code needed to be amended or restrictions imposed on the licences of retailers and further guidelines given to them to avoid anti-social use.

- A concern was raised that there was an impact on farm animals which led at times to property damage when cattle were frightened.

- It was asked whether it would be possible to tighten restrictions on retailers to mitigate the harm done to farm animals and properties.

- It was reiterated that the majority of residents followed the rules and that it was only a minority who were anti-social and setting them off from the middle of October onwards, not just on Guy Fawkes night.

- It was asked how it was intended to proceed with this, and whether an additional report would be brought back to the Committee. A suggestion was made to establish a sub-group to discuss the contents including the Councillor who proposed the notice of motion.

- One member disagreed that this was a problematic issue, and reiterated that people merely needed to be tolerant for a few weeks every year when Guy Fawkes Night happened.

- It was reiterated that fireworks brought a lot of fun for children and adults and there were several possible solutions for the pet owners such as keeping them in the house or using medication.

- There was disagreement with the above-mentioned comment explaining that fireworks had not developed to be much noisier and that they had a greater impact on people.

In response to the members’ observations, it was noted:

- That advising consumers before events was something the officers had been doing for a while. To improve, it was noted that improvements were possible in terms of highlighting the guidelines and also by continuing to maintain a good working relationship with the retailers.

- To proceed with the report, it was agreed to continue to raise awareness and highlight good practice and to discuss with the Councillor who had proposed the notice of motion.

- It was possible to highlight and share good practice with retailers and consumers as a way forward.

RESOLVED

To accept the report, noting the observations made during the meeting.