Fresh concerns over anti-social use of fireworks in Bradford

A resident has contacted the Telegraph & Argus and local authorities on a number of occasions recently to report loud fireworks being let off in the BD5 area of the city well after 11pm.

Bradford Council said it was "doing everything in our power to deal with the problem".

Although fireworks are most commonly let off around Bonfire Night and New Year, their use during weddings means there are regularly high numbers of complaints about late-night noise throughout the summer in Bradford.

It is illegal to let fireworks off between 11pm and 7am - except on Bonfire Night when the cut off is midnight. On Diwali, New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year, the cut off is 1am.

It is also illegal to use fireworks in a public place or within 50 feet of a road, as well as in a public place without the landowner's permission.

The resident who contacted the T&A said: "For a number of years now, you have reported on the loud fireworks being set off in Bradford on a regular basis.

"The situation is getting much worse.

"For the past few weeks, loud fireworks have been heard in the BD5 area literally every night.

"This often continues for a sustained period of time, and often happens very late in the evening, well after 11pm.

"This is anti-social behaviour and must be stopped."

The resident - who asked not to be named - added: "Many people of Bradford are absolutely sick and tired of having to put up with this noise every night.

"It feels almost like we're living in a warzone.

"Besides the stress, anxiety and disturbance this is causing people, it's no doubt having a major effect on domestic animals and wildlife."

Residents often complain about the anti-social use of fireworks in Bradford (Image: T&A)

The T&A put the resident's concerns to Bradford Council, which announced in June that it would visit local wedding venues to "talk about the problem in a bid to take fireworks out of the festivities".

A Bradford Council spokesperson responded: "We know that the anti-social use of fireworks is distressing and frustrating for residents across the district.

"We are doing everything in our power to deal with the problem, but our powers are very limited.

"We have to work within the laws set by Government.

"Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities can investigate complaints where noise from fireworks is excessive and constitutes a statutory nuisance.

"However, the nature of fireworks makes it challenging to apply these powers effectively.

"Fireworks are typically used for short periods and are often unpredictable in their timing and location, making it difficult to gather sufficient evidence to prove a statutory nuisance.

"So, while we acknowledge the concerns raised by residents regarding fireworks, our ability to take formal action is constrained by the limitations of current legislation.

"We are committed to working with our community and exploring all available avenues to mitigate the impact of fireworks and promote responsible use.

"We will also continue to push Government to regulate fireworks more rigorously and, in the meantime, we will work with our partners in the police, fire service and trading standards to address the problem."

The T&A put the Council's statement to the Government.

A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: "Where local issues with fireworks are identified, councils and the police have powers to protect the public from misuse and harm.

"Public safety is our priority and that's why we are working to soon launch a new fireworks safety campaign."

This campaign will supplement existing guidance from the Government and other organisations.

According to West Yorkshire Police: "This year thousands of people will enjoy fireworks safely - however, a small minority of people use them to cause crime and nuisance in their local communities.

"Any action where fireworks are used to harass, intimidate or cause damage to others is a criminal act and anti-social.

"West Yorkshire Police will not tolerate this behaviour and the consequences are serious.

"You can be fined an unlimited amount or potentially risk jail for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally."

Last year, a report presented to Bradford councillors said "the vast majority of people are fed up with being disturbed by fireworks, especially late at night."