Fireworks violence has been tackled but anti-social problems remain, councillors warn
Pendle councillors have warned anti-social behaviour around fireworks needs further action.
Last updated 10th Oct 2024
Progress has been made in Pendle tackling ‘violent elements’ around bonfire night but anti-social behaviour around fireworks, including weddings and in towns late at night, needs further action, councillors have warned.
Back in 2021, there were incidents in Pendle of police, fire crews and paramedics being attacked by groups throwing fireworks. But now, more work is needed to deal with other issues especially disturbance late at night, Pendle Council’s latest full meeting was told.
A call for action came in a motion by Pendle True Independent Coun Yasser Iqbal. He said: “There have been problems in certain areas like Brierfield and Nelson. Maybe elsewhere too? People are setting-off fireworks at midnight or 1am. This is one of the biggest concerns for people.
“I don’t have a problem with fireworks being used during legal times. I think the time limit is 10pm. But I’ve heard fireworks going off late, at 1.30am. I have young kids. People have pets. It’s a regular complaint and occurrence but nothing seems to be done about it. I have raised it on many occasions. And it includes weddings. Why are fireworks for weddings being let off at such late times?
“Maybe it needs government action? But we can at least work with the police and our officers to prevent and dissuade people from doing it. We have some local police activity. And publicity and concerns are raised on social media frequently. But it’s not enough. I think the authorities need to go one step further. But it’s hard because we don’t know who is setting fireworks off.
“If leaders of the different political groups at Pendle Council got together with the police, there are some measures that could be used. But I don’t want to make them public here. If we don’t address this, things will get worse.”
Lib-Dem Coun Dorothy Lord said: “I support this. I don’t know what the answer is but something needs to be done. We have discussed this many times. Do the police want to get involved? Haven’t they enough work already? I discussed this with a police officer recently who said how difficult it is to identify people involved”
Conservative Coun Nadeem Ahmed said: “We have discussed this many times but that’s not to say we should do nothing. We’ve all been contacted by residents, saying its unacceptable. I think a multi-agency approach is sensible.
“I was contacted by a lady who cares for a disabled child. Every time fireworks go off late at night, the child wakes, is terrified and will not go back to sleep. It’s also really cruel to animals.
“Bonfire night is coming up and fireworks will be easily available. Children getting their hands on fireworks will be a problem over the next month or two.”
Lib-Dem Coun Brian Newman said: “You can buy silent fireworks that do not have an adverse effect. But we need to sort things out so there is only a certain time when you can use them.”
Independent Coun Asjad Mahmood, the council leader, said: “The council has been working with the police and schools regarding fireworks. It has not eliminated all the problems but it has eliminated the violent element around bonfire night which we saw a few years ago. There has also been the Bright Sparks project including CCTV.”
He added: “There is some control over fireworks sold in local shops. But fireworks also come in from outside the borough. A key thing is we need local information. People know about things in advance. The community needs to come forward to help us tackle anti-social behaviour.”
Conservative Coun Martyn Stone backed the call and said: “I am contacted by residents and some people make this into a divisive issue. But it’s really important that residents see councillors are united on this. We know bonfire night is approaching and there will be anti-social behaviour. We all need to send an important message to all residents.”