COUNCILLORS have raised concerns about enforcement, following a decision to increase restrictions around fireworks in the borough.

As previously reported by the Gazette, a motion passed by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in December resolved to:

  • Request all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event
  • Actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people
  • Write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB
  • Encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display

However, at a meeting on January 20, members of the community, environment and partnerships committee said that while they support elements of the motion, they are worried about how it can be enforced.

Cllr Kerri Carruthers said: “Something that occurred to me is, I don’t think I necessarily disagree with some of the things on here, but one of my concerns is enforcement for all of these suggestions.

“And I think we need to work out how much of a problem this really is, so I think we need to have a much bigger conversation about this, because we need to better understand the problem.”

Cllr Simon Mahaffey echoed these concerns, particularly in relation to the fourth point regarding local suppliers.

He said: “I’d just like to know how big a task that is, because there’s manufacturers and wholesalers of fireworks, but I’m assuming that’s referring to every corner shop in the whole of the borough, and how we actually get to those individuals, I don’t know.”

Chairing the meeting, Cllr Paul Gaskell said that research from outside bodies including emergency services and the RSPCA had already been produced, and the committee agreed to request a report from council officers, addressing their concerns and drawing on information readily available.