WITH the bonfire season fast approaching, Liberal Democrats on Bradford Council will call for more to be done to prevent the celebration from becoming a "trauma" for many residents.

Leader of the local Lib Dems Councillor Jeanette Sunderland is calling for the Council to investigate the making a of by-law to restrict the use of noisy fireworks across the District and the creation of free quiet or low-noise firework displays in the Districts Parks.

She believes that if a few, large events were organised in public parks it would help reduce the chaotic scenes regularly seen in Bradford in Bonfire season.

Recent years have seen attacks on emergency workers, vandalism and arson in the run up to Bonfire night.

Cllr Sunderland will put forward a motion to the Council at a meeting later this month.

She said: “It is clear from my casework and from public comments that people are fed up with the unexpected loud bangs and explosions of fireworks which are now almost a year round event.

"For many people Bonfire Night and other celebrations can be quite traumatic. However it does not need to be like this.

"The manufacture of fireworks has progressed and it is now possible to hold displays and events of quieter fireworks which can create 'quieter' displays, 'low noise' displays or silent displays which reduce the noise nuisance and impact on others in terms of acoustic stress. We believe it is time that the Council investigated how it can create public displays that are more peaceful that can be enjoyed by all.

“We want to investigate the potential to create a by-law that restricts the use of noisy fireworks. There are already laws in place to stop people mis-using fireworks however I want to investigate if by reducing the numbers of noisy fireworks will that help us to identify those people who are using them illegally? These fireworks are generally being bought and sold illegally too so this measure should help the Police to identify the culprits. We believe that the Council has the power to investigate the creation and implementation of a by-law to suppress the nuisance from noisy fireworks.”

At a recent meeting of Bradford Council's District Licensing Panel, City Solicitor Richard Winter said that the Council could legally introduce a Public Space Protection Order to enable the Council and police to take tougher action on those who misuse fireworks.

Cllr Sunderland's motion will add: “We also want the Council to investigate the feasibility of holding public display of quiet fireworks in local parks paid for the reduction in the other costs of policing and clearing up after fireworks that are being used indiscriminately in our streets.

“I’m not against firework displays they are common throughout the world and provide a focal point for many religious and cultural celebrations. The 5th of November has huge significance in Britain’s culture and was a law up to the 19th century however for some people it has now become a dangerous noisy free for all that causes distress to many people.”

Meanwhile Bradford Council has announced it is working in partnership with the emergency services and the district's largest social landlord, Incommunities, to nip bonfire season problems in the bud before they get out of hand.

A campaign has started to encourage people to report dangerous bonfires which can be dealt with before they cause problems.

Businesses, homes and schools are being advised to remove accumulations of rubbish to prevent them being set on fire.

Traders and householders are also being urged not to take advantage of the season by transporting and illegally dumping waste on bonfires.

Checks will be made on vehicles transporting rubbish and those operating without the proper authorisation can face vehicle seizure and prosecution through the courts.

Anyone using unauthorised waste carriers can also be taken to court or receive a £250 Fixed Penalty Notice.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: "Bonfire celebrations do not provide people with an excuse to get rid of a load of rubbish on the cheap.

"Council Wardens and enforcement officers will be on their guard, looking out for fly-tipping and cracking down on culprits. Dumping rubbish on bonfires is fly-tipping. It is not solving a problem, it is making it worse.

“Fly-tipped rubbish not only looks a mess but can be highly dangerous if someone sets it on fire.

"We hope people will enjoy their bonfire celebrations but we urge everyone to behave responsibly.”

Fly-tippers can be given a £400 Fixed Penalty Notice or be taken to court where offenders will face unlimited fines and a prison term of up to five years.

Bradford District Fire Service Commander Benjy Bush said: “In the run up to the bonfire season we urge people to do their bit to help the Fire Service by ensuring that litter is not left to build up around homes or businesses as this can be a target for arson.

“We always encourage people to attend an organised bonfire event as are they much safer.”

Bradford Police District Commander, Chief Superintendent Osman Khan, said: “We want everyone in the Bradford district to enjoy their bonfire night celebrations in safety, and anyone found to be setting fires which cause a threat to others can expect to be prosecuted. “The reckless and dangerous use of fireworks will also not be tolerated and we will work with partners to identify those involved and take appropriate action against them.”

Harry Whittle, Director of Incommunities – Estate and Building Services, said “We want everyone to enjoy their bonfire celebrations in safety and we would urge everyone to act responsibly.

“Our Estate teams will again be taking a robust approach to any instances of fly-tipping on our land or rubbish dumped on bonfires and working hard to apprehend anyone involved.

“We would urge people, particularly those with young children, to go to properly organised displays but if customers or residents living in our neighbourhoods would like safety advice we are happy to provide this if they contact us on 01274 257990.”