Firework campaigners 'just want peaceful night'

Residents in Bradford have long complained about the persistent use of fireworks throughout the year

Campaigners demanding an end to the anti-social use of fireworks in Bradford have said they just want a "peaceful night's sleep".

Residents and families across the city have complained about persistent noise and disturbance from such displays for several years.

A community campaign to highlight the issue began on Saturday and will run until 10 September.

Bradford Council said it "shared residents' anger" and called for tougher national laws on the use of fireworks, while one local retailer said he was "frustrated" by irresponsible shops giving the industry a bad name.

Inayah Sher, from the Ban The Menace Fireworks Campaign, started a community WhatsApp group where the problem is discussed.

She told the BBC: "Having fireworks exploding on a daily basis, from 2pm until 2am is absurd.

"If we don't do anything about it and if we don't come together to collaborate with the MPs, councillors and Bradford citizens, Bradford will turn into a ghetto or a warzone.

"Everyone deserves a peaceful night's sleep and that's all we're asking for."

Campaigner Inayah Sher runs a WhatsApp group in which the problem posed by fireworks is discussed

Hamza Rehman, from Friends of West Park, claimed fireworks were being put through people's letterboxes in the middle of the night, while cars were also being damaged.

He added: "The park bins are on fire at least once a week.

"It's like fighting a war. It's a never-ending battle to tell the truth and we're all giving up. What's going to happen if the rest of us give up?"

Hamza Rehman says residents are fighting a "never-ending battle" against the problem

West Yorkshire Police said it would be cracking down on retailers who sell fireworks illegally.

A spokesperson added: "We know the anti-social use of fireworks is an ongoing concern for people in Bradford and we are determined to continue working with our partners to tackle the issue."

"It is an offence to set off fireworks between 23:00 and 07:00, except on Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali and the Chinese New Year when the cut-off is later."

Councillor Kamran Hussain, Bradford Council's executive member for neighbourhoods and community safety, said: "We share the anger of residents about these nuisance fireworks.

"For several years, we have been working to ask for tougher laws on the use of fireworks, something which can only be made possible by changes to national legislation."

Bradford Council says it wants tougher national laws to deal with the problem

Jamil Ashraf manufactures fireworks and runs Big Shotter Fireworks on Darley Street, Bradford

He said he would welcome stricter enforcement against firework sellers who break rules, such as selling to children.

"We want everyone to enjoy fireworks," said Mr Ashraf. "What we don't want is for them to be set off at stupid hours.

"We always sell safely and responsibly and we'd never sell to anyone underage. It's the irresponsible retailers that gives the whole industry a bad name and that's frustrating for us."

The British Firework Association said misuse of fireworks was a "serious problem", but said "better enforcement" of current laws would be "more effective" than creating new ones.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.