Bolton MP backs firework legislation after ‘horror stories’

Mr Brickell spoke at the Fireworks Impact Coalition in parliament last week in favour of changes to the law after many Bolton West constituents raised concerns.

Issues around noise levels, safety, and the effects of fireworks on human and animal welfare were raised.

Mr  Brickell said: “There have been absolute horror stories from my constituents of people blocking off main roads to set off fireworks for weddings, setting off fireworks under cars, and firing them at our emergency service workers.

“While we have long celebrated Bonfire Night and New Years, the use of fireworks has recently become an all-year-round problem.

“They seem to have gotten louder, and their anti-social use has become more prevalent.”

Mr Brickell would like further restrictions added to the sale of fireworks, such restrictions on their sale outside of set periods around new year and bonfire night, and decreases made to their overall volume.

But changes to the law are only one aspect of the issue, as police and councils must be granted greater access to resources if these laws – and pre-existing laws – are to be enforced, Brickell noted.

The Fireworks Impact Coalition is a group consisting of various UK charities who have interests in the use and abuse of fireworks in the UK, for example Assistance Dogs UK and veterans’ charity Combat Stress.

Firework safety literature from the Impact Coalition event (Image: Phil Brickell)

The Coalition held an event in parliament on 12th November to discuss their work, where involved charities gave first-hand accounts of the damage fireworks have caused, and can cause, in their communities.

One proposed change includes reducing the the maximum volume of fireworks to 90 decibels, down from the current legal limit of 120.

Mr Brickell raised the concerns of his constituents at the event and lent his support for a full review of current UK firework safety laws.