A COUNCILLOR has called for a crackdown on ‘noisy’ or ‘potentially dangerous’ fireworks to be sold to the public.

City and county councillor Andy Roberts said residents in Warndon have been active on social media and voiced their concerns about the unrestricted use of loud fireworks.

Cllr Roberts said: “The general feeling appears to be that the sale of fireworks should be restricted for use at licensed events and not to members of the public.

“Personally, I don’t think it is appropriate for fireworks which are very noisy or potentially dangerous to be sold to the public.

“I’d like to see big displays licensed in a different way. The licence procedure should limit the number of displays in the year within an area.”

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Cllr Roberts says due to the growing environmental concern, controls should be in place for the sake of people and animals that need to be prepared for flashes and loud bangs.

He said: “There have been reports of upset animals and concerns expressed for people who are unwell or (for whatever reason) are distressed by loud bangs, though one person thought this was ‘whining’.

“Some fireworks could be still be used more generally, such as crackers at the Chinese New Year celebrations, but in an era of ever greater environmental consciousness and rogue imports, tighter controls are needed.”

He is also campaigning for people who set off firework displays to be trained, adding: “Fireworks now are much more powerful, so it’s also time to consider whether those who set them off should have some training.

“For those who enjoy the fireworks spectacular and safe displays would still be available. I feel that the sale of chemical incendiary devices for use by untrained people (who have no personal protection gear) is bizarre. It is also odd that, in an era of greater environmental awareness, what was usually a November 5 occurrence can now happen at any time during the year.”

Cllr Roberts says residents had complained about the New Year's Eve fireworks and how displays were set off all throughout the day.

He has put forward a motion which will be discussed at the full county council meeting on January 16.

Cllr Roberts added: “I want us to take the views of experts to find the best way forward. “Personally I might have put forward a motion but, like fireworks, these can make a lot of noise with no lasting result.

“The aim is to explore what can be done. I know that this is a national matter, but we have all the expertise necessary to contribute to the argument.

“Would the cabinet member with responsibility for communities (Lucy Hodgson) seek information from Worcestershire Regulatory Services, the Public Health Officer, Chief Fire Officer and whoever else she thinks appropriate, so that the council or council committee can consider what could be done and what should be done to see that the concerns of the public are addressed?”