Peterborough residents call for tighter control over fireworks as noise causes issues for pets and young children

Over the past few weeks residents have been having their own displays as residents celebrated Bonfire Night and Diwali.
The displays have been held over several nights - and while some have enjoyed the spectacular night-time events, others who have pets, young children or  shift workers have found the fireworks have caused issues.
In community social media groups the debate has raged this month, with both sides of the debate putting their views across.
The Peterborough Telegraph asked some for their views, with Laura Jackson saying: “Should be done two evenings at most at an event. Shouldn’t be sold to public.”
Xenon Carr added: “I love fireworks don’t get me wrong but when it’s every night for nearly 2 weeks is a bit ridiculous. especially with pets in the house. Save it for events and make it something special”
Saidy Moulding said; “I like fireworks I just think they are too easily available and can fall into the wrong hands I worry at people who use them in small gardens or without due care, they contain gunpowder just like a weapon. My heart goes out to veterans with ptsd and scared animals. There’s no reason why it can’t be done safely on the 5th or closest Saturday, or for other religious events and new year but it’s the random ones we can’t prepare for that can be scary, and the thought of people using them for pranks or mischief that can be so dangerous. People and animals can get seriously hurt.”
Jenny Johnson said: “I think we all like to see fireworks but we don’t want the bangs.”
Peterborough MP Paul Bristow said he had received hundreds of emails and letters about the issue, and set up a survey on social media to find residents views.
Of the 722 people who replied, 572 said they wanted to see tighter rules on when fireworks can be set off.
Five hundred and thirty one residents also said fireworks should be banned from being set off other than on certain days of the year such as Bonfire Night and New Years Day, while just under half said they would support a complete ban on fireworks.
Mr Bristow said: “The majority of respondents expressed a preference for tighter restrictions on fireworks, but did not want to see a complete ban on fireworks.
“The survey shows people still want to enjoy fireworks for celebrations, traditions and religious reasons, but want to see action to address issues such as including anti-social behaviour and animals in distress.
“Hearing from people through surveys like this is incredibly useful, and allows me to send this feedback to Ministers and use them in debates at Westminster.  I want to take the views of the people of Peterborough straight to the top!”
On November 4 there was a drive in fireworks display at the East of England Showground, and there are plans for another drive in display at the venue near Christmas.

MORE: Peterborough Christmas drive in fireworks display planned


The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.
You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for:
Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight
New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am
You can only buy fireworks (including sparklers) from registered sellers for private use on these dates:
15 October to 10 November
26 to 31 December
3 days before Diwali and Chinese New Year
At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.
You can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to 6 months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.