As Bonfire Night approaches, Pendle Community Safety Partnership is reminding residents to use fireworks in a responsible and considerate manner.
It’s urging everyone to respect their neighbours as well as pets and wildlife who can be terrified by the loud bangs.
Councillor David Whipp (pictured), chair of Pendle Community Safety Partnership, said: “If you’re planning to celebrate Bonfire Night, it’s really important that you do so responsibly.
“Please only buy fireworks from licensed venues and not from unknown retailers on social media sites. Look for the CE mark so that you know what you are buying is safe!
“Although on Bonfire Night fireworks can legally be let off until midnight, please be mindful of your neighbours. Please let them know if you’re planning to light fireworks so that they can keep their cats and dogs safely inside and don’t do it too late. This can be a distressing time for people and animals.”
Only people aged 18 and over can legally buy fireworks.
It’s an offence to set off fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night, Diwali, New Year and Chinese New Year – and at any time by individuals anywhere other than their own garden or yard.
You can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.
Tim Horsley, Pendle Borough Council’s community safety officer, said: “We’ve again had a number of complaints from residents about extremely loud fireworks being used in neighbourhoods at all times of the day and night.
“The fireworks are being set off with absolutely no regard for the community. It’s not just about preventing people from sleeping – it can distress and frighten people and animals.
“We understand people want to use fireworks as part of a celebration, but this should be done at a reasonable hour, not late at night.”
