Plea for tougher rules on fireworks in Luton to prevent potential “deaths or horrific injuries”

Opposing political groups on the borough council joined forces to press the government for action, while Labour Luton North MP Sarah Owen presented her Bill to restrict the noise and sale of fireworks in Parliament yesterday (October 16), with its second reading scheduled for January 17.

“The anti-social misuse of fireworks torments many people across Luton,” she said on social media. “It affects people with young children, those with mental health issues, pets, wildlife and residents trying to get a decent night’s sleep.”

A motion initiated by the Liberal Democrat opposition group on the local authority was presented jointly with the ruling Labour group to a full council meeting.

It calls on LBC and its political leaders to lobby the government for stronger powers to control when and where fireworks may be used and for a limit on noise levels.

Liberal Democrat Round Green councillor Gillian Fry explained: “The rationale behind this is in the interests of everyone in Luton, so it’s not political.

“The run-up period to events when fireworks are at the heart of the celebrations can be extremely stressful for many, while inconsiderate people think it’s fun to set them off.

“Councillors hear complaints every year about fireworks being set off in the early hours of the morning and even during the day. Imagine being woken up at 1am disorientated by a loud set of explosions.

“Now consider being a refugee in a war zone where being woken at night could be a matter of life and death. That’s an extreme case, but loud noises are terrifying and overwhelming sensory events for any post-traumatic stress disorder sufferer.

“By lobbying government to follow the Scottish example, we’ll give power to local authorities in limiting fireworks and support residents complaining about the anti-social misuse blighting their lives.”

Labour Central councillor Mohammed Yaqub Hanif agreed, saying: “Fireworks can be beautiful, but are a major nuisance when used irresponsibly.

“Imagine those struggling to put young children to sleep, or coping with elderly or ill relatives, and pet owners when suddenly loud bangs and bright flashes disturb the peace.

“Pets are frightened, babies wake up and those working early or late shifts having difficulty sleeping are left exhausted.

“We’re proposing prevention with this motion. We can enjoy fireworks responsibly, without causing unnecessary stress to our neighbours.”

Conservative Poets councillor Aslam Khan warned: “There’s been a growing culture for the past 10 years where we’ve seen fireworks in the streets, with near misses and accidents, fires lit, and people’s houses damaged.

“If this continues, we know there’ll be fatal consequences. There could be horrific injuries, deaths or burning of properties and this has to stop.

“We need to champion, advocate and educate people. We’re all part of it and often attend these events, witness it and yet we do nothing. There has to be enforcement in place.”

Councillors backed the motion.