Issue - meetings

In accordance with the Notice of Motion received under Section 4.20 of the Constitution, Councillor Paul Rowlinson will propose as follows:-

“This Council resolves:

(a)     To write to the Welsh Government urging them to utilise any levers at their disposal to mitigate any negative impacts on animals and vulnerable people of the hosting of fireworks displays.

(b)     To write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays.

(c)     To request the Communities Scrutiny Committee to give consideration within its work programme to reviewing what steps the Council can take to promote or encourage:

• that all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries should be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.
• a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.
• Local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.
• People to restrict the use of fireworks to a period close to specific dates.”

(a)  To write to the Welsh Government urging them to utilise any levers at their disposal to mitigate any detrimental impact on animals and vulnerable people of the hosting of fireworks displays.

(b)   To write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays.

(c)     To request the Communities Scrutiny Committee to give consideration within its work programme to review what steps the Council can take to promote or encourage:

o   that all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries should be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

o   a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.

o   local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public displays.

o   people to limit the use of fireworks to a period close to specific dates.

Submitted - the following notice of motion by Councillor Paul Rowlinson, in accordance with Section 4.20 of the Constitution and it was seconded:-

"The Council resolves:

(a)      To write to the Welsh Government urging them to utilise any levers at their disposal to mitigate any detrimental impact on animals and vulnerable people of the hosting of fireworks displays.

(b)      To write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays.

(c)      To request the Communities Scrutiny Committee to give consideration within its work programme to review what steps the Council can take to promote or encourage:

·         That all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries should be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

·         A public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including precautions that can be taken to mitigate
risks.

·         Local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public displays.

·         People to limit the use of fireworks to a period close to specific dates."

Many members expressed their support for the motion, however, it was noted that it should also be borne in mind that fireworks were an inevitable part of religious celebrations, such as Diwali, Festival of Light.

RESOLVED to adopt the motion, namely:-

(a)      To write to the Welsh Government urging them to utilise any levers at their disposal to mitigate any detrimental impact on animals and vulnerable people of the hosting of fireworks displays.

(b)     To write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays.

(c)      To request the Communities Scrutiny Committee to give consideration within its work programme to review what steps the Council can take to promote or encourage:

·         That all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries should be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

·         A public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including precautions that can be taken to mitigaterisks.

·         Local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public displays.

·         People to limit the use of fireworks to a period close to specific dates.