Debate: Is it time for restrictions on fireworks?

But as we approach the night we remember when rebel Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament campaigners are calling for tough new laws to crack down on fireworks.

They say communities are being plagued by a constant barrage of fireworks being set off for weeks leading up to November 5 and are calling on parliament to limit the period of time it is legal for people to let off fireworks.

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A spokesperson for the Firework Abatement campaign said: “We want back garden and domestic fireworks to be restricted to the week around 5th November, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

“It is a tradition in the UK that we have fireworks on the fifth but even according to the government we have a ‘creeping firework season’.

FAB is also warning that it’s not just animals who suffer from fireworks, but people can be traumatised as well.

Campaigners say that people who “may be affected by random fireworks are those who may have some form of PTSD which includes our ex services, emergency services, people in domestic violence situations, people who have been raped.

“Others who may be affected, are people with hearing issues, autism, mental health issues, learning disabilities, dementia and a whole host of other medical conditions.”

Sheila Joss, 63, a retired occupational therapist and owner of two “very sensitive” dogs is a volunteer for the Firework Abatement campaign.

A resident of Hythe, her home is the perfect vantage point for watching cruise ship firework displays as they set sail for foreign lands – but her dogs are terrified by them.

She said: “I think it’s got out of balance.

“If it’s a couple of nights a year it’s manageable. It’s when it’s whenever, at whatever time throughout the summer or any time of year.

“It usually starts mid October once a week now. And of course we have Diwali and Chinese New Year.

“The summer of 2015 was a complete nightmare.”

“If we know when it’s going to be then we can control it. Now on Bonfire Night I’ll take my dogs out for a long drive, or put them on a lead so they can’t climb the walls.”

Although pet owners might be able to offer some form of sanctuary for their pets during the fireworks season, the semi-wild New Forest ponies can’t be taken indoors.

Chairman of the New Forest Equestrian Association Tony Hockley, said: “We recommend owners follow the British Horse Society advice.

“Keep as normal a routine as possible, and ensure that someone is nearby in case of problems.

“We’d prefer that people go to organised displays, rather than buy their own and set them off at random – if they do have their own display, they should let anyone with livestock nearby know in advance.”

Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre, chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority, is also urging drivers to be extra cautious on evenings where displays are taking place.

He said: “We would ask people to bear in mind that the cattle and ponies on the Forest are greatly affected by fireworks and that frightened animals can run onto the road.”

But owner of party shop Make It Magic Peter Gallagher – whose shop has sold fireworks on Shirley High Street since the 1970s says the debate comes up year after year.

But he said there has been neither a rise nor fall in fireworks sales over the last few years, or even since online sales were introduced.

He said: “We’re a specialist party and online shop and to be fair the sale of fireworks is limited and sales past November 5 aren’t really an issue.

“You can access fireworks all year round but the amount of nuisances are very small. People can access them more easily but it isn’t really a major concern for me.

“The licence itself costs £500 and you have to register to say you’re storing fireworks which is £56. So you have to sell some fireworks just to stand still.

“People need to talk to each other and say they’re having the fireworks. We only sell to over-21s because you can’t always tell if an 18-year-old is actually an 18-year-old.

"And we never sell to anyone who smells of alcohol. We’re a responsible retailer.”

“The sales we make throughout the year are for birthdays and weddings but there’s also a cultural aspects – Diwali, Bastille Day, July 4 and other occasions.

"Those people live here too and you should be able to express your celebrations.”