Bolton: New proposal to regulate fireworks

This comes following complaints people have made about the noise and disturbance caused by their use across the borough, especially with the onset of the Autumn months.

Elderly people, people with Alzheimer’s Syndrome and people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder have all raised concerns, prompting Kearsley councillor Debbie Newall to propose major changes in how fireworks are sold to Bolton Council.

Cllr Newall said: “Many older people who may be alone at home are terrified of the cacophony of some fireworks and this is not just limited to three or four nights per year but also the days and weeks leading up to these events.

“It is not just the elderly with dementia and Alzheimer’s who suffer those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are particularly vulnerable when it comes to loud bangs.

A firework recently recovered by police in Farnworth (Image: GMP)

“Fireworks have a strong link to PTSD, as any loud or sudden noise can be a trigger.

“This can cause an involuntary episode of flashbacks, uncontrollable shaking, sweating, panic attacks, heart palpitations or other emotional symptoms.”

In recent weeks, fireworks being set off by youths has proven to be a problem in several areas across Bolton.

A ‘rocket’ was seized from youths setting off fireworks in Farnworth on the evening of Sunday October 2, while just a day before police had been called out to reports of fireworks being thrown at a branch of Morrisons in Harwood.

This came despite a warning from Greater Manchester Police in August this year that setting off fireworks between 11pm and 7am is illegal except on Bonfire Night, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

According to Cllr Newall, as many as 40 per cent of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s also suffer from ‘sundown syndrome’ which means that they become more restless and confused around late afternoon and dusk.

Cllr Debbie Newall is proposing restrictions on fireworks (Image: One Kearsley)

In this state, loud fireworks can be even more distressing for them.

In response, Cllr Newall says she plans to propose that Bolton Council writes to the government urging it to restrict when fireworks can be sold to around periods of celebrations and requiring that the people buying them be licenced, similar to laws already in place in Scotland.

She also hopes to prompt conversations between the council, the fire service and retailers about creating a ‘Bolton Code’ which will regulate the sale of fireworks in the borough.

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Cllr Newall said: “It is accepted that fireworks can bring a lot of enjoyment to many people, especially children and younger families.

“However, I feel that the public as a whole has moved towards wanting restrictions in place to take away some of the distress that is associated with fireworks. 

“It is particularly disheartening when fireworks are ignited in residential areas in the lead-up to bonfire night.

“As a society, we need to have a fuller understanding of the distress that fireworks cause not just to vulnerable people but also our pets, farm animals and even wild animals.” 

The motion will be debated at a full meeting of Bolton Council on Wednesday evening next week.