Fareham council votes to stage low-volume firework displays due to animal welfare concerns

The council will now stage displays with fireworks that are environmentally friendly and no louder than 90dB, as recommended by the RSPCA.

As well as changing their displays, the council will run a public awareness campaign about firework noise and write to the government, urging them to change the law to limit fireworks to being 90dB.

The new efforts are the result of a motion – proposed by Councillor Roger Price – which was passed unanimously at a full council meeting last night.

Cllr Price said: ‘I think it’s the first time we have had a unanimous vote in Fareham – I was very pleased with the result.

‘I have often received emails from the RSPCA and residents who support the RSPCA about the problem with fireworks and animal welfare.

‘Also in this area we have a large number of service people, and the sound of loud bangs can bring back terrible memories for some.’

A poll conducted by Cllr Tom Davies found that two-thirds of respondents from Fareham supported restricting fireworks in order to support animal welfare and vulnerable people.

Cllr Davies, who worked with Cllr Price on the motion, said: ‘I'm absolutely delighted the motion has passed.

‘This was a real team and cross party effort and demonstrates the commitment of our councillors to address this issue which is so close to the hearts of many of our residents.

‘As councillors we receive distressing calls and emails from residents about fireworks every year, terrified pets, dead wildlife and last year I was even contacted by a care home worker who told me they'd had to sedate their elderly patients because many were terrified, thinking they were being bombed.’

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Last year, horse-owners in Fareham called on Henry Cort school to reconsider its firework display, fearing the noise would cause nearby horses to bolt and injure themselves.

Fareham Borough Council will write to the Local Government Association and Hampshire County Council asking for their support in the campaign to reduce firework noise pollution.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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