Peterborough MP's campaign to ban fireworks from communities

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes has welcomed the Government’s 12‑week consultation on fireworks, calling it a major step forward in tackling nuisance and anti‑social use that has blighted local neighbourhoods for years.

Since being elected, Andrew has made tackling nuisance fireworks one of his key local campaigns, working alongside residents, community groups and animal welfare charities. He has highlighted how concerns have been raised across Peterborough for some time, with complaints about late‑night use and loud disturbances regularly reported in areas including Dogsthorpe, Bretton and around Central Park. Many residents say it has become one of the most persistent issues affecting their quality of life.

Last year, more than 1,500 people backed a petition from Mr Pakes calling for tighter controls on fireworks.

The new plans announced on Thursday are the most extensive review of fireworks legislation in a generation. With the stated aims being to restrict the loudest fireworks to professional displays, adding more dangerous products to the banned list, and updating the rules for so‑called lower‑risk fireworks so the law better reflects the different levels of risk they pose. It follows growing concern across the country about late‑night and irresponsible use of fireworks, which residents say is disturbing sleep, frightening pets and livestock, and causing distress to veterans, children and older people.

This new consultation builds directly on that work by asking the public whether the noisiest fireworks should be removed from general sale, and whether more products should be banned where they pose an unacceptable risk to communities.

Welcoming the announcement, Andrew Pakes MP said: “Peterborough has been ahead of the curve on this, local people have been demanding change for a long time, and ministers are finally listening. I want people to be able to have fun but not at the expense of other people within our communities.

“Residents who have put up with sleepless nights, anxious pets and anti‑social behaviour now have a real chance to be heard and to help shape new rules that are fair, modern and focused on safety.”