A Code of Conduct for Fireworks

Cllr Sandra Dunn replies to residents' concerns about Fireworks

Dear Resident

Thank you for raising your worries about the impact of fireworks in Spelthorne and I note it specially raises concerns about animals and their welfare during the firework season. I can advise you that as a Council we have been increasing publicity, of the organised events, via the Council's website and social media sites and it is hoped that by sharing information it gives advance notice of where these are taking place.

Our group have checked with the Environmental Health Department at Spelthorne, and they have commented that they are urging our residents to be a good neighbour with fireworks and to follow the Firework Code when organising local and family events. They have checked with their Environmental Health records and those of Community Safety and the main issues of concern/complaint that has been received generally relates to underage children handling fireworks. Occasionally they have also received complaints about exceptionally loud fireworks, but this appears to be the only concerns of residents.

The Fireworks Regulations 2004 prohibit anyone under 18 from possessing fireworks, and anyone except professionals from possessing professional display fireworks in a public place. These regulations also prohibit the use of fireworks at night between 11pm and 7am, with extensions to this curfew permitted for the following festivals:

Until 01:00 on the night of the Chinese New Year
Until 01:00 on the night of Diwali
Until 01:00 on the night on New Year's Eve
Until Midnight on 5 November

These regulations are enforced by the Police, and there are penalties of up to £5,000 or 6 months in prison for breach of curfew.

Spelthorne Borough Council has no enforcement powers in respect of fireworks, but as previously stated are working with their Communications Officers to update information to the Council's website. This will include information to residents about reporting issues, as well as linking to information associated with national welfare campaigns.

I do sympathise with all animal owners, as I am also an animal lover myself, so I hope you will understand that we do take your concerns seriously and would implore you to contact the Police to report anyone breaking the law.

Sandra Dunn
Group Leader
Spelthorne Liberal Democrats

You can contact Sandra via email: cllr.dunn@spelthorne.gov.uk