The council and fireworks
We have committed to making fireworks safer and quieter and are acting now to help everyone enjoy bonfire night responsibly.
Climate and ecological emergency
At the Full Council meeting on Tuesday 21 July 2020 Uttlesford District Council considered a motion to makes fireworks safer for all.
Councillors pledged to take local action to encourage everyone to consider the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people in the district. They also committed promoting the use of quieter fireworks.
The council pledged to:
- encourage all public firework displays within Uttlesford District Council's administrative boundary to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people
- actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people - including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks
- encourage in the same public awareness campaign the use of quieter fireworks and the emphasis of their use in public and private displays
What steps have we taken
We have already taken some practical steps to make fireworks night safer for all, including:
- working with partners such as Essex Fire and Rescue Service to follow the fireworks code
- providing guidance on safer bonfires and an easy way to report nuisance caused by any bonfires
- highlighting the needs of pets and other animals and how to keep them safe on bonfire night
Now we are exploring further, wider reaching measures, designed to help everyone within the district to have a safe and enjoyable fireworks night.