Former Mayor Ian Duckworth would welcome firework ban

Former Mayor Ian Duckworth is backing a restriction on the public's use of fireworks.

Whilst most people enjoy their colourful displays, Bonfire Night and firework celebrations can be some of the most stressful times for pets and veterans with post-traumatic stress.

The Mayor of Rochdale between 2017 and 2018, Mr Duckworth, who will be writing to Greater Manchester Metro Mayor Andy Burnham, says a restriction – limiting their use to public displays only – is important for those affected in this way.

Mr Duckworth, a former soldier, said: “Sainsbury’s has stopped selling fireworks and I hope other supermarkets will follow suit.

“Restricting the use of fireworks is important for dog owners and also ex-service veterans who might have post-traumatic stress. My old dog becomes terror-stricken by the sound of fireworks, and I fear that when the noise intensifies, it will kill him.

“I will also be writing to Mayor Andy Burnham, hoping he will use his influence with all Greater Manchester authorities to restrict the use of fireworks by banning their sale to members of the public and only allowing displays after they have been approved by local councils’ planning and or licensing committees.”

Earlier this month, Sainsbury’s became the first major supermarket to stop selling fireworks at all of its stores across the UK, and a petition last year to ban the public sale of fireworks to protect animals, children and people with a phobia attracted more than 307,000 signatures.

Responding to the 307,000-strong petition, the government said: “There is already strict legislation in place to regulate the supply, storage, possession, use and misuse of fireworks to ensure public safety. 

“We recognise that the noise from fireworks can be distressing to some people and so there is in place a noise level limit of 120 decibels on fireworks that are available for consumer use. Consumers can also choose to buy from the wide range of low noise fireworks now available.

“The government believes the legislation and guidance already in place is appropriate to allow for the safe use of fireworks by the public; therefore, we have no plans to ban private sales.”

Additionally, following a motion tabled by Councillor Rina Paolucci, at the latest full council meeting on 16 October, it was passed that Steve Rumbelow, Chief Executive of Rochdale Borough Council, will be writing to the government to ask for legislation to be amended, limiting the noise level of fireworks from 120 decibels to 92 decibels.

120 dB is approximately the same level of noise heard during a thunderclap, whilst 92 is comparable to the noise level produced by a lawn mower.

The law says you can’t buy fireworks if you’re under 18, and it’s against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

You can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally.

You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.

Sainsbury’s has been contacted for comment.