Calls have been made to allow councils to ban the use of fireworks in certain areas of Bolton other than at organised displays.
Bolton Council is set to debate the matter this week, with the authority also urged to support moves to create a new licensing system requiring people to have a license to buy and use fireworks and that businesses and shops will have to check if those buying pyrotechnics have a license.
Kearsley councillor Debbie Newall will propose the motion to the council in a bid to alleviate the distress caused to residents and their pets throughout the ‘firework season’ of late October and November. She is asking the council to support legislation similar to recently introduced measures in Scotland.
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The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 is set to introduce a fireworks licensing system, with mandatory safety training for people wishing to purchase and use fireworks, and introducing powers for local authorities to designate firework control zones.
Coun Newall said: “The council recognises that many residents look forward to the wonder of fireworks during traditional events that are enjoyed by many of the cultures and faiths of the Bolton family.
“Whether it is Bonfire night, Diwali, Chinese New Year or the traditional western New Year, many people, especially younger people – love the spectacle of pyrotechnic displays lighting up the sky in all parts of the borough.
“We acknowledge the progress made in Scotland which brings in new restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks.
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“It will also allow councils to ban their use in certain areas other than in a firework display or for ‘essential purposes’. Councils in Scotland will be able to establish Firework Control Zones, where it will be an offence for pyrotechnics to be used.
“The bill will also mean that fireworks can only be bought and used by members of the public at certain times of the year, including Bonfire Night, Hogmanay, Chinese New Year, Diwali etc.
“This provides a balance between a legitimate right to use fireworks with the need to protect public safety and animal welfare. Without this type of protection, many people and animals will continue to be deeply affected by the use and deliberate misuse of fireworks.”
Coun Newall said a petition to parliament with more than 300,000 signatures called for the limit of sale and use of fireworks to organisations for licensed displays
The motion requests that ‘the council writes to the Government, urging them to consider entering the equivalent The Firework and Pyrotechnic Articles Bill into English statute at their earliest opportunity, thereby ensuring a safer environment for our most vulnerable members of society and to those animals who look to us to protect them from harm’.
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