LEVELS of anti-social behaviour around fireworks “remain at unacceptable levels in parts of the district”, a report to councillors says.
That issue – and plans for this year’s Bonfire Night period – will be discussed next week.
A report says people across the district have had concerns for a “number of years” about fireworks being used anti-socially - and outside the permitted hours set out in law.
It says: “What is clear through feedback from our communities is that the vast majority are fed up with being disturbed by fireworks, especially late at night.
“It is, therefore, imperative that we seek to amplify this narrative and encourage more in our communities to share their frustration within their neighbourhoods and communities.”
The report says fireworks are used “responsibly by most, but celebrations now appear to be happening more often throughout the year.”
It adds: “The loud noise from fireworks causes nuisance to people across the district as well as distress to livestock and pets.
“This is especially the case over the Bonfire Night period. Significant partnership efforts have curtailed disorder in recent years; however, levels of anti-social behaviour remain at unacceptable levels in parts of the district.
“The large majority experience the Bonfire period in a positive and safe way, however, incidents of anti-social behaviour, misuse of fireworks, disposal of waste via fly-tipping and attacks on public sector workers are all issues that we continue to contend with.”
The report goes on to that the Bonfire period in Bradford requires a “significant multi-agency response with preparation and planning beginning in early Summer”.
It adds that November 5 is the busiest night of the year for the police and fire service and is also a “significant drain” on Council resources.
However, councillors will be told that the level of disorder has been declining gradually over recent years.
In 2022, the need for police to dispatch ‘public order’ response units was “extremely low” in comparison to other years.
The report outlines what is being done to make sure the Bonfire period goes smoothly and says: “In addition to prevention and risk reduction activities, Bradford district partners will come together in a Special Operations Room (SOR) over the nights of the Bonfire weekend.
“The function of the SOR is to monitor incidents and deploy suitable resources from the range of support services that are available on the night.”
The meeting will also be shown material that has been produced to warn people about their behaviour and the consequences.
The report will be discussed by Bradford Council's Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee from 5pm on October 5 at City Hall.
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