Exeter’s military veterans, pet owners and people with neurodiversity will be among those to have a say in deciding the future of fireworks.
The city’s Labour MP Steve Race is urging local people to make their voices heard as the government launches a new review of the laws around fireworks.
It could mean restricting the noisiest fireworks to professional displays and increasing the number of banned pyrotechnics.
Mr Race said that since being elected two years ago he had been hearing local people’s concerns about anti-social fireworks causing distress to local veterans, disrupting working people and terrifying pets and young children.
The 12-week consultation will feed into the largest review of UK fireworks legislation since it was first introduced.
It comes alongside the wider steps that the government is taking to tackle anti-social behaviour, bring residents together and make communities safer.
Mr Race said: “Anti-social firework use is an issue that constituents regularly raise with me. I know how disruptive unexpected displays can be to people’s sleep, particularly parents trying to get young children to bed, and how difficult it can be for some neurodiverse people and those living with mental health conditions that are exacerbated by sudden noise.
“I have also heard from pet owners who struggle to manage their animals’ stress in the home, or fear for their safety if fireworks are let off when they are outside.”
Local people have also raised concerns over the amount of debris left behind by fireworks in local parks and play areas.
Mr Race went on: “Many of us have fond memories of watching spectacular public displays to celebrate events like New Year and Diwali, and I would not want to see the vast majority of people who enjoy fireworks responsibly be punished for the behaviour of a noisy minority.
“Whether it’s using quieter fireworks, attending organised displays or sticking to key dates so that people can be prepared, there are a number of voluntary steps we can consider to reduce the impact on our neighbours.
“But there is also a role for the law to play in cracking down on individuals who deliberately use the loudest fireworks all year round and leave a dangerous mess behind.”
The consultation can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk
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