Ruddington residents are being reminded to show consideration for others and the environment this weekend – including moving to “lower noise” fireworks for Bonfire Night and other, forthcoming celebrations.
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) says we can all play our part to help protect local people, pets and wildlife – and is leading by example following a Cabinet decision earlier this year that called for lower volume effects at its events, which included choosing “quieter” fireworks for its own displays.
The authority encourages external event operators in the Borough to follow suit. Householders in our village putting on home displays are also being asked to select the lower noise options – which are now available when purchasing them from reputable retailers. It says discontinuing the use of loud fireworks will protect residents with disabilities from the potential noise pollution they can cause.
Those most affected by loud fireworks can include people with sensory processing disorders, hearing conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder and with respiratory conditions such as asthma – as well as pets, farm animals and wildlife.
There’s RSPCA advice >>HERE<< on how to enjoy fireworks more safely. It includes:
- Go to an advertised, organised public display
- Only let fireworks off on traditional celebration dates and use lower noise fireworks
- Let your neighbours know well in advance if you do have a home display
- Never set fireworks off near livestock
- Don’t let fireworks off near known wildlife habitats
- Pick up litter and debris after any bonfire or fireworks display
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change, Cllr Abby Brennan, says: “Whilst fireworks can be a fun and enjoyable way of marking special occasions, we also understand louder fireworks can cause unnecessary stress and discomfort for some residents and pets. Low noise fireworks should be used to help ensure everyone can enjoy them without impacting negatively on others.”
She adds: “We appreciate this is a personal choice for many residents but increasingly we see the issues loud fireworks can create in our communities and we want residents to take responsibility and lead by example for the better of their neighbourhoods.”
Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards Team is also urging people to take a careful note of safety instructions when it comes to purchasing and setting off fireworks. Advice from the team includes only buying fireworks from licensed sellers, looking out for the CE or UKCA mark on goods and remembering that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase fireworks.
Anyone planning a home display should also be aware that category F2 and F3 fireworks require different safety distances – so please check the requirements, keeping the size of your garden in mind. Though both Bonfire Night and Diwali mean that fireworks are allowed past 11pm, anyone setting them off must be aware that different curfews are in place (midnight for Bonfire Night and 1am for Diwali).
NCC Trading Standards Team Manager, Trish Hennessy, says: “We know that many people may be planning home firework displays, and so it’s really important for everyone to take note of the safety advice – not just for themselves, but also for their guests.”
Ruddington’s main Fireworks display is this Saturday night (November 6th) at Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre on Mere Way. Another organised event on Sunday (7th November) at The White Horse has already sold out.
