Council encourages residents to move to low noise fireworks

Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) is encouraging residents to follow its lead in moving to lower noise fireworks ahead of Bonfire Night and its winter events season to further protect local people, pets and wildlife.

The authority is building on its Cabinet decision earlier this year that called for the lower volume effects at its events and is leading is by example to now employ the policy at its Christmas Lights Switch On event in West Bridgford on 27 November. 

Discontinuing the use of loud fireworks will protect pets and also those residents with disabilities from the potential noise pollution they can cause. 

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Those affected by loud fireworks can include those with sensory processing disorders, hearing conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder and with respiratory conditions such as asthma, as well as pets, farm animals and wildlife. 

The Council is also set to encourage external event operators to follow suit and householders in the Borough are now encouraged to also choose the lower noise options when purchasing them from reputable retailers. 

RBC is among the first local authorities in the country to make such a decision and is also endorsing RSPCA advice on how to enjoy fireworks more safely.

It includes:

• Go to an advertised organised public display
• Only let fireworks off on traditional celebration dates and use lower noise fireworks
• Let your neighbours know well in advance if you do have a home display
• Never set fireworks off near livestock
• Don’t let fireworks off near known wildlife habitats
• Pick up litter and debris after any bonfire or fireworks display

RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change Cllr Abby Brennan said: “Whilst fireworks can be a fun and enjoyable way of marking special occasions, we also understand louder fireworks can cause unnecessary stress and discomfort for some residents and pets. 

“Low noise fireworks should be used to help ensure everyone can enjoy them without impacting negatively on others. 

“We appreciate this is a personal choice for many residents but increasingly we see the issues loud fireworks can create in our communities and we want residents to take responsibility and lead by example for the better of their neighbourhoods.”