Council aims for new regulations on fireworks
Firework displays should be regulated more effectively to prevent distress to vulnerable people, animals and to avoid environmental damage, councillors have ruled.
A motion passed at a meeting of the full Council laid down a series of resolutions which councillors will urge Witney MP Robert Courts to address nationally while working with parish councils to implement at a local level.
The resolutions were:
- To ask for all public firework displays in West Oxfordshire to be advertised in advance, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people
- To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks
- To write to Witney MP Robert Courts to push for the introduction of legislation to limit the environmental impact and maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays
- To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock climate-friendly and ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display
Cllr Norman MacRae, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “In recent years fireworks seem to be used to mark a wide variety of celebrations, not just Bonfire Night.
“While they can be a fantastic spectacle, they can cause distress to vulnerable residents, pets and wildlife and we have a duty to protect them and the environment as a whole. Hopefully these measures will allow residents to enjoy fireworks responsibly and safely.”