Decision details

The Director, Public Health, Protection and Community Services outlined to Cabinet the current legal controls on the sale and use of fireworks and considered how the Local Authority may further support the Notice of Motion made to Council on the 27^th November 2019 and the RSPCA campaign calling for greater controls.

Section 5 of the report detailed information on the controls of the sale and storage of fireworks; the standards in place concerning noise and safety of fireworks; and controls of the underage sale of fireworks. The Director advised that any organised events in the Borough are considered by the Council’s Event Safety Advisory Group, which ensures that all events comply with the legislative requirements and are conducted safely.

The Deputy Leader thanked the Director for the report and commented that the recommendations were sensible and would seek to enhance the provision already in place. The Deputy Leader spoke of the impact fireworks have on not only domestic animals, but wild animals in fields. The Deputy Leader also recognised that many people were affected by fireworks and spoke of the impact of November 5^th to those veterans who suffer with PTSD. It was explained that last year, the Local Authority held a successful event at the Park and Dare theatre for veterans to attend.

Cabinet Members noted that the report would be considered at the Council meeting on 21^st October 2020.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.   To note the existing controls available in UK Law to control the sale of fireworks and their use in public areas;

2.   That the Director of Corporate Estates reviews and where necessary imposes greater restrictions on the use of Council land for the purpose of public firework displays; and

3.    To support a promotional campaign for 2021 (coronavirus restrictions permitting) that encourages responsible use of fireworks and the early notification to the public of planned events in the community.