Luton North MP leads MPs in battle against nuisance fireworks

Luton North’s MP Sarah Owen has been praised by the charity Dogs Trust after she led MPs in calling for the government to look at current laws which have left Luton plagued over the last few months by loud, nuisance fireworks.

There have been reports of local residents at their wits end with the ongoing headache of fireworks across social media and Luton Today press since the summer.

Sarah, a dog owner herself, has raised particular concerns about the impact of the firework on dogs, other domestic pets as well as vulnerable people.

In response to a national petition signed by over 250,000 people, the Luton North MP led a group of MPs supporting a motion which demands that the government review current fireworks laws in order “to reduce the numbers of unplanned and random firework use each year [and] to reduce maximum noise levels and to license all public displays”.

A 2018 Dog Trust survey of 2,000 members of the general public showed that: 89% agreed domestic pets can be distressed by fireworks; 79% said they keep their pets inside to limit distress caused by fireworks; and over 50% believed fireworks should be restricted to official displays only.

The charity adds that “easy access to fireworks and poor enforcement of existing legislation is having a detrimental impact on dog welfare”.

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.

In a recent parliamentary debate, a Minister said that the Conservatives “do not consider a ban on fireworks to be an appropriate course of action”.

Luton North MP Sarah Owen said: “Living in Luton, we know fireworks have caused problems across the town, especially over the last few months.

"The law needs to be harsher on those trouble makers who cause mayhem for those of us who just want some peace.

“I’ve got a dog, and a young family and I know how much of a nightmare the constant loud noise can be.

“It’s a shame the Tories said last month that they don’t think further restrictions are appropriate.

"I’ll keep working with MPs in Parliament, local police and residents until this problem is sorted out once and for all.”

In response to Owen’s campaign, the charity Dogs Trust said on Twitter: “Thank you Sarah Owen for tabling your [motion] on the misuse of fireworks and to all the MPs sponsoring and supporting this. We know fireworks can cause dogs great distress and anxiety. We join your calls for greater restrictions on fireworks sale and use.”

> Are you still being disturbed by fireworks in your part of town? Email [email protected] with your experience.