(Image: Getty Images)
Bradford Council is backing calls for tougher controls on fireworks and urging residents to take part in a government consultation.
The council has urged residents to share their views before the consultation closes on October 7.
Council backs tougher firework controls
In a Facebook video posted on October 5, Councillor Ian Walker (Reform, Wyke) said: "It's not so much fun if you hear loud bangs when you're trying to sleep.
"They can upset young children, pets and other animals and anyone who has PTSD or is sensitive to loud noises.
"I know a lot of you have complained about this but the law currently limits what we can do.
"That's why we support the government's consultation asking for people's views on tougher laws to restrict the sale and use of noisy fireworks."
Government consultation nearing deadline
The government launched the consultation on tougher laws governing fireworks after growing concerns about noise, antisocial behaviour, safety risks and fireworks’ impact on vulnerable people and animals.
Fireworks (Image: Getty Images)
Proposals include limiting louder fireworks to professional users, banning other high-risk pyrotechnic products and reviewing rules for lower-risk fireworks.
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Residents divided over tougher laws
The council’s post sparked a heated debate, with residents split over tougher fireworks laws.
Caroline Silvers wrote: "Everyone seems to forget that fireworks are literally explosives!
"They're not just noisy, but in the wrong hands can be very dangerous!"
Fireworks (Image: Pixabay)
Carol Snow said fireworks "should only be sold for Bonfire Night and only for the week leading up to it."
Penelope Hughes-Narborough supported a total ban, writing: "Humans too suffer if they have some conditions as well as pets, wildlife and other animals.
"I support a permanent ban.
"If you wish, go to an organised display."
Julia Konstankewecz said: "Totally out of hand.
"Loudest should be banned totally so that kids, animals and night workers can get some sleep."
Others said the laws are strong enough and simply need enforcing.
Tony Murrell wrote: "Tougher controls aren't needed.
"The current law is perfectly good enough, it simply needs enforcing more rigorously."
Fireworks (Image: Newsquest)
The government says the consultation aims to balance people’s enjoyment of fireworks with concerns about safety, nuisance and animal welfare.
Long-running concerns over firework misuse
The council is also running its "Bang Out of Order" campaign and has liaised with local wedding venues about stopping fireworks at private celebrations.
A 2021 cross-party council review concluded that tackling firework misuse in Bradford would be an "impossible task" without changes to national law.
Councillors say residents have reported extremely powerful fireworks sounding like explosions, often late at night and particularly during private summer celebrations.