A MAJOR review into the blight of fireworks in Bradford will be discussed by councillors tomorrow.

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Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe will put forward a motion at Full Council requesting a "wholesale review", including police, the fire service, trading standards and licensing takes place.

The menace of fireworks and the misery inflicted on people across the district is well documented, with many residents at the end of their tether.

Incidents include:

  • A 16-year-old boy left with horrific burns and injuries after having a firework thrown at him near Baildon Bank
  • A bombardment of fireworks in West Bowling which made an almighty racket that could be heard up to seven miles away
  • Boxes upon boxes of spent fireworks dumped on a street after the West Bowling barrage
  • A gang of youths firing rockets around Eccleshill Park
  • Bonfire night drama in 2018 when fireworks, placed on a traffic island in the middle of Carlisle Road, Manningham shot into the sky

Cllr Hinchcliffe's motion, titled 'Taking a stand against antisocial and illegal use of fireworks' asks the Council to note: "Local residents are expressing serious concerns about nuisance fireworks blighting their lives and neighbourhoods.

"Large fireworks celebrations now appear to be happening all year round and in the early hours of the morning disturbing people’s sleep and pets.

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"Fireworks can be used responsibly by sensible adults particularly at well-run public events at reasonable times of day, but all too often fireworks are let off at unsociable times and in an antisocial way.

"The weeks around Bonfire Night in particular are costly for firefighters and emergency services colleagues and pose a risk to their safety. Antisocial behaviour and attacks against these professionals at any time of year are unacceptable, put lives at risk and divert resources from emergencies."

It goes into ask for wholesale review, within the next six months, into the use of fireworks in neighbourhoods in the district and asking for the police, fire service, trading standards and licensing to be involved.

It consistently, disturbs children, the elderly, pets, people who are working and up early in the morning. It is causing harm to our environment, those who use fireworks irresponsibly leave the litter of used fireworks on our street expecting the Council to clean up their mess" - Inayah Sher, Bradford4Better

The motion says that in in the meantime the Council will: "Work with police and other partners to review and build on prevention and enforcement activities, including a review of licensing requirements and other regulations around fireworks.

"Urges everyone to act responsibly when using fireworks and to avoid causing nuisance to other residents, ideally by attending well-run public events, getting appropriate permissions and helping to educate young people about the dangers.

"Calls on everyone to act respectfully towards the public servants who keep us safe at Bonfire Night and throughout the year.

"Reiterates its support for the ‘Protect the Protectors’ campaign and will continue to support safety and awareness campaigns to promote the tougher sentences arising from the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act."

It has been welcomed by the Bradford4Better (B4B) group, which has campaigned relentlessly to tackle the problems surrounding fireworks.

Inayah Sher, from the group, said: "We welcome this action on social nuisance caused by fireworks.

"B4B has been actively campaigning against the harmful impact of fireworks on the local community. We have received numerous complaints.

"It consistently, disturbs children, the elderly, pets, people who are working and up early in the morning. It is causing harm to our environment, those who use fireworks irresponsibly leave the litter of used fireworks on our street expecting the Council to clean up their mess."

She added: "We fully support and stand shoulder to shoulder with any proposed action that can stop the indiscriminate use of fireworks."

Liberal Democrats on Bradford Council will also call for more to be done to prevent the celebration from becoming a "trauma" for many residents.

Leader of the local Lib Dems, Councillor Jeanette Sunderland is calling for the Council to investigate the making a of by-law to restrict the use of noisy fireworks across the district and the creation of free quiet or low-noise firework displays in the district's parks.

The meeting will be held tomorrow at City Hall from 4pm.