Watch as fireworks are let off in the street in Peterborough

A crowd of people were seen gathered in Lincoln Road on the evening of November 4 as a stream of fireworks were left off into the night sky.

The action has prompted an angry outburst from Councillor Zameer Ali who says letting off fireworks in a public space showed a complete disregard for pedestrians, motorists and everyone living and working nearby.

Now he has called on the council and the police to look at taking action to prevent future incidents.

Cllr Ali, who is Peterborough City Council’s cabinet member for communities and public safety, said that when he had challenged those letting off the fireworks, he was met with the response: “What are you going to do, Councillor?”

He told the Peterborough Telegraph: “I was utterly disgusted to see fireworks being set off in the middle of Lincoln Road.

"It showed a complete disregard for pedestrians, motorists and everyone living and working nearby.

“Someone could have been seriously hurt.

Cllr Ali added: “My question is: where is the visible police presence to deter this behaviour?

"Residents deserve reassurance and effective action.

He said: “I want the council and police working together to prevent further incidents.”

“This incident is exactly why I am pressing for a fireworks Public Spaces Protection Order.

Any restrictions must be backed by proper enforcement.

"We should not have to wait for somebody to be seriously injured before action is taken.

He added: “People can celebrate and enjoy themselves while respecting others.

"Setting fireworks off in the middle of Lincoln Road is reckless, selfish and unacceptable.”

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said: “This is reckless, dangerous and selfish behaviour.

“We need to crack down on nuisance use of fireworks but people also need to stop doing dangerous things like this. Thinking of your neighbours goes a long way.

He added: “'ve been fighting for changes to the law to ban private sales of the noisiest fireworks and will keep doing so.

"I spoke to the Minister this morning to urge them to speed up plans to crack down on this nuisance.

“If you know the names of those involved here please pass them onto the police. They need evidence in order to act.”