A joint Labour and Liberal Democrat group motion calling for tougher measures from the government to tackle nuisance fireworks received cross-party support at a full council meeting this week.
Late night and early morning use of fireworks has become an increasing issue within the town causing stress, upset and frustration amongst residents.
The motion called on the Chief Executive, all three local party leaders and the Luton parliamentarians to lobby the government to follow the example of the Scottish Government and give local councils powers to introduce controlled times and zones when fireworks cannot be set off unless part of a licensed firework display; and to introduce noise restrictions on firework use.
The council will additionally work with Bedfordshire Police on a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on vulnerable people and animal welfare – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks and information on the legislation and guidelines of firework usage such as the times of year and times of night that they can be used, and how to do so safely.
The campaign will also focus on encouraging residents who know the addresses of offenders to pass this information onto the police.
There will also be a requirement for all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for vulnerable people and their animals; and to engage with local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks.
The council has also agreed to back the RSPCA’s #BangOutOfOrder campaign which is lobbying Central Government to mitigate the negative effects of fireworks on animals and vulnerable individuals by proposing several regulatory changes.
The council is already supporting Bedfordshire Police with Operation Starbar in which all fireworks incidents reported to the Police will be logged and focus will be on identifying and taking action against persistent offenders. Luton North MP Sarah Owen has also presented her Bill to Parliament this week which restricts the noise and sale of fireworks.
Councillor Hazel Simmons MBE, Leader of Luton Council, said: “Residents are fed up with their evenings being ruined and sleep being disturbed by the constant misuse of fireworks going off.
“Not only are fireworks distressing for those who are elderly, frail, and neurodivergent, but also terrifying and potentially dangerous for pets.
“I’m pleased we have cross-party support on this issue and will be working with the police and building on the work that our MPs are already doing in Parliament to bring about the changes that are needed.”
The law states that it is illegal to sell adult fireworks to anyone under 18 and it is against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on certain specified occasions. These are bonfire night, with a midnight limit, and until 1am for New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.
The law also says you mustn’t set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.
Residents should report the illegal use of fireworks to Bedfordshire police online.
For more information on the council and police powers visit the council’s fireworks page.
More information about the #BangOutOfOrder campaign is on the RSPCA website.
