'Fireworks are too loud - I want to change the law'

Bradford residents said fireworks were disturbing sleep and pets

An MP has launched a campaign to make fireworks quieter after her constituents complained about the noise nuisance they cause.

Anna Dixon, who represents Shipley in West Yorkshire, has started a petition which has gained more than 3,000 signatures.

She plans to present it to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood after Bonfire Night in November.

"The issues they are facing is that they are getting disturbed nights of sleep and their pets are terrified," Dixon said.

The petition calls for the decibel levels of legally permitted fireworks to be lower.

She added: "Of course, we all enjoy celebrations when we actually use fireworks - in and around Bonfire Night and in the period leading up to Diwali or Chinese New Year. This is about all-year-round disturbance."

Dixon wants fireworks of 120 decibels to be banned. The new maximum she has suggested for legal sale is 90 decibels.

"They are being set off by all sorts of groups - in people's private gardens but also in public spaces.

"The last government brought in regulations which set curfew times – so fireworks should not be let off after 11pm and before 7am."

Andrew Barton said fireworks have left his dog, Buddy, "terrified"

She said it was difficult to enforce existing laws around use, despite police involvement.

"I am proposing this ban on the loudest fireworks as another measure to stop the anti-social use."

Residents of the wider Bradford district have long complained about inconsiderate firework use, often linked to celebrations throughout the year.

Andrew Barton, 72, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, said his dog was left traumatised when a rocket exploded near them during a walk two years ago.

"Buddy took off because he was terrified. I managed to stop him and calm him down but he was in such a state - he was shaking.

"It really scared him and he has never been the same since.

"He does not like any noises or loud bangs, and when fireworks go off he goes to pieces.

"I have to get sedatives and all sorts of things from the vet."

The RSPCA has backed the campaign to reduce decibel levels.

In its annual plea to the public to be mindful of the welfare of animals, the charity has urged the public to contact local MPs asking for change.

Other suggestions include creating "firework-free zones" and the consideration of more environmentally friendly firework alternatives, like drone displays.

Mr Barton added: "It is a question of fairness and what is reasonable - and it is not reasonable to set fireworks off all the time.

"I am sure quieter fireworks would work, at the end of the day, you are never going to ban them."

Ahhsan Munir has run a fireworks shop in the centre of Bradford for six years

Ahhsan Munir, 27, is the owner of Ultimate Fireworks in Bradford, and said they already sell "low-noise fireworks".

"Rockets that are low noise, selection boxes that are low noise.

"The thing is the demand for low-noise fireworks is very slim."

Mr Munir said there were already laws in place which meant people should not use fireworks after 23:00 or before 07:00, barring exceptions such as Bonfire Night, the religious festival Diwali and the Chinese New Year.

"If someone is letting them off at two or three in the morning, then that's something for the authorities to tackle.

"I can't see it [the law change] happening.

"The next customer who walks in. I can guarantee you that he doesn't want a firework that doesn't go bang in the sky.

"As long as people want that then we will continue to supply it."

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