The Oldham Liberal Democrats are addressing some of the problems caused by fireworks and want to raise awareness.  Fireworks are used by everyone, especially over Christmas and New Year, but explosives can pose a danger to animals and people. 

The new idea brought forward by Saddleworth and Lees Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani, wants to apply a challenge 25 policy to how people buy fireworks.  The Liberal Democrats also want to promote awareness about the impact of fireworks on vulnerable people.  Councillor Al-Hamdani backs residents considering quieter fireworks and wants people to think about who may live nearby the display.  The motion will be brought to January 8^th full Council meeting.

Councillor Al-Hamdani comments: “I love fireworks, but those holding an event need to let local people know about it well in advance.  Lack of consideration for others in the community is bad for our Borough.  This motion seeks to raise awareness on some of the issues and highlight the fact that fireworks have a place in our society. Pets can suffer if they are surprised by fireworks displays, and their owners need to know when events are coming up so they can ensure that the impact upon their animals are kept to a minimum.”

Councillor Hazel Gloster who is seconding the motion says: “Applying Challenge 25 to the sale of fireworks is a great idea.  Challenge 25 is a scheme that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID when they want to buy alcohol.  With the danger that fireworks carry, the same policy should be applied for people who want to possess fireworks.  It’s common sense.”

Copy of Motion: Council 8^th January 2020 – Notice of Opposition Business – Motion – A sensible approach to firework displays

This Council notes that:

• The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) says the law is failing. It does not prevent or sufficiently reduce the risk of fireworks causing distress, injury or anxiety to people, as well as death, injury or distress to animals.
• That further research is needed to properly understand the impact of noise on animals and people. In the meantime, several things can be done to improve the situation for wildlife and people at risk of being affected by firework explosions.
• Applying the same Challenge 25 legislation to fireworks as there is with Alcohol will ensure that less young people will be injured by fireworks.
• Review of the licensing all public firework displays is needed, ensuring displays are better advertised to the public informing of noise levels and how it may affect people and animals.

This Council resolves to:

• Ensure all public firework displays within Oldham Borough to be advertised in advance of the event, with appropriate advertising for the size of the display, allowing residents to take precautions for people in their care and pets.
• 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 local suppliers of fireworks to separate ‘quieter’ fireworks from the loud ones so people can choose which ones they prefer with animal and people safety in mind. And give large labels to sticker the products with: green for quiet, red for loud.
• Applying Challenge 25 legislation to the sale of fireworks in Oldham Borough. Challenge 25 is a scheme that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID when they want to buy alcohol. With the danger that Fireworks carry, the same policy should be applied for people who want to possess fireworks.

Proposed by: Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani

Seconded by: Councillor Hazel Gloster