Complaints of nuisance fireworks reported across Luton

Some believe lockdown has seen a rise in the use of over-the-counter fireworks, often used at unsociable hours.

One woman contacted Luton News to complain about ongoing fireworks in Leagrave.

She said: “Almost every night, we’re being bombarded with loud bangs from fireworks going off in the street.

“It’s upsetting my children, sometimes they are being woken up at midnight and my husband has to get up early for work.”

Another reader contacted us in the early hours of Tuesday to say: “For the 24th time this month, industrial strength fireworks were being set off in Chester Avenue, Challney. These fireworks are so powerful, they are capable of cracking the glazing in windows.”

After phoning Beds Police, the reader was advised to contact the council, adding: “The controller was adamant that Beds Police couldn’t do anything about it.

“I got no answer to my question, ‘What constitutes a breach of the peace?’ How many people phone the police to complain about this serious and increasingly common occurrence only to be told ‘It’s got nothing to do with us?’

“I believe a fine of up to £5,000 may be given or even a custodial sentence, or £90 spot fine, but Beds Police tell the taxpayers of this town ‘there is nothing we can do’.”

Another woman complained about fireworks going off “for two hours every night”.

She said: “On several occasions I have had to retrieve my dogs during their walks in Lewsey Park between the hours of 9pm and 10.30pm because they are absolutely mortified of the exceptional explosions.

“I can only compare it to walking around Syria, there has to be a compromise.

“I am 70 years of age and due to virus restrictions my life has been restricted to walking my dogs in the evenings, hoping this was a safer option.

“But due to the every night occurrence of exploding bombs and terrified dogs, my anger and distress is bubbling over to extremes.”

Conversations about fireworks on Facebook have attracted hundreds of comments from Luton residents complaining about noise.

UK law states that fireworks can only be sold to those aged over 18, although they can be purchased all year round. However, there are two types of licences for anyone selling fireworks – long-term and short-term licences.

Those wishing to set off fireworks for a private event such as a party or wedding, can buy them from a registered seller with an all-year or long-term licence.

If you buy fireworks for personal use, you are only allowed to use them on private property with the permission of the landowner. It is a criminal offence to set off fireworks in the street or other public places without consent.

A Luton Borough Council spokesman said: “Not only can the use of fireworks be extremely inconsiderate towards residents in an area far beyond their point of release, but it is against the law to let them off between 11pm and 7am. Breaking this curfew could mean an on-the-spot fine of £90, a fine of up to £5,000 or even a six months’ jail sentence.

“The only exceptions are 5 November, when fireworks are allowed until midnight, and New Year, Chinese New Year and Diwali displays, which are allowed to continue until 1am. If anyone wishes to report the illegal use of fireworks, they should contact the police.”

Bedfordshire Police has guidance surrounding the use of fireworks in Bedfordshire, which can be found here.

> Have you been annoyed by fireworks recently? What area of town was it? Email editorial@lutonnews.co.uk