Telegraph & Argus share their views on low-noise fireworks

The anti-social and improper use of fireworks has blighted Bradford for many years.

Members of the public are continually questioning why fireworks are being set off outside the rules – which stipulates they can only be used before 11pm at most times of the year.

Nuisance noise from fireworks has been described by the council in the past as being a “recurring problem in many parts of the district”.

Councillor Kamran Hussain, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said this is “not just on Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve, but also through them being used in wedding celebrations or as a symptom of anti-social behaviour”.

Earlier this month, the Telegraph & Argus covered a Change.org campaign that was set up by community stalwart Inayah Sher at the start of September.

It called for the council to take immediate action against late-night fireworks and said, “the actions of lawless individuals disrupt the peace for many”.

Cllr Hussain responded by saying residents are “rightly angry about the anti-social use of fireworks” and outlined the local authority was pushing for tougher laws.

At that time, more than 6,000 had signed the petition, but that figure sits at just over 26,000 now.

On the T&A Facebook page we asked: “Ahead of Bonfire Night, campaigners are once again calling for a ban on loud pyrotechnics but could new low-noise fireworks be the answer to keeping everyone happy?”

The question provoked a variety of responses, but the underlying message was that tradition is important during festivals and celebrations like Bonfire Night, when fireworks can be set off until midnight, with a later deadline of 1am for events like New Year’s Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year.

The remnants of fireworks strewn across a road in Bradford (Image: Telegraph & Argus) Jenny Smith said: “Isn’t this confusing Bonfire Night with the rest of the year?

“It’s generally accepted that you can let off fireworks around 4 Nov and NYE.

“The issue is the remainder of the year!”

Paul Whitehead said: “Low-noise ones would be ideal Nov 6th until Nov 4th. On the 5th loud is proud.”

Others looked at the wider picture.

Dani Elle said: “Guessing those in the comments don’t have to listen to fireworks most nights and almost every weekend then.”

Asim Rashid said: “I feel sorry for the firefighters whom have put up with being attacked by yobs and all the other misuse that goes on.

“If there are properly organised fireworks displays in a controlled environment then that's fine.”

Sylvia Bromfield said: “Something needs doing as the noise of some of these fireworks going off is beyond belief nowadays.

“They sound like flaming bombs exploding and it's becoming an every night issue for some people now sadly.”

Jamie Ryan said: “Should ban ‘em only for purchase for certain times of year of certain events like that in some EU countries, hear ‘em every single day.”

Then one commenter felt a blanket ban was the best option.

Joyce Bird said: “Ban them all no need.”