Calls for stricter fireworks rules have been raised in Parliament following concerns from Bournemouth residents.
Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes spoke in the Commons after four hundred and ninety seven local signatures were added to parliamentary petitions, highlighting the impact of fireworks on pets, veterans, pensioners and people whose work and sleep are disrupted by loud and unpredictable displays.
He shared experiences from residents across the area, including a Muscliff resident who said firework nights felt like living in a warzone, a Townsend pet owner whose cat becomes so unwell it develops blood in its urine, and a Pokesdown resident calling for tighter limits.
Concerns were also raised about the effect on veterans living with post traumatic stress disorder, older residents and shift workers, with Mr Hayes saying fireworks can be set off all year round and at any time, creating ongoing disturbance in local neighbourhoods.
He told MPs that while fireworks can bring people together, some aspects are viewed as anti social, adding that constituents want practical fixes so they can enjoy peace at home and get a good night’s sleep.
Mr Hayes urged the Government to better enforce existing legislation and to look at new controls covering noise levels, permitted times and the duration of fireworks use.
Share us with your friends on social media, and have a listen to Bournemouth One online and on DAB for all your local news, traffic, jobs, weather, coastal info and more.
Register below for free regular updates via email.