To consider the following motion from Cllr Alison Hoare:
We live in a unique part of the world and as such we have unique problems and challenges when trying to protect not just our wildlife and pets, but the ponies, cattle and pigs who freely roam the forest. These are an integral part of our history and culture, the animals are people’s stock and livelihood. Fireworks can cause many problems for animals, not just from the noise, but from the debris of spent rockets which land within the forest, countryside and gardens which can cause severe distress or even death, if eaten.
Within the NFDC area there are also many people for whom fireworks are a source of distress, for example, the elderly, ex-service men and women and those who are vulnerable due to mental or physical challenges.
To this end the Council resolves to:
(a) Engage with Government and local Members of Parliament to seek greater national regulation with regard to private and organised firework displays.
(b) Actively promote a public awareness campaign within the District about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people, including precautions that can be taken to mitigate this.
(c) To require all public firework displays within (and encourage those just outside) the District to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.
(d) To work with the NFNPA, Forestry England and Hampshire County Council for a joint and integrated approach.
Minutes:
Cllr Hoare addressed the Panel on the Motion she had submitted to Council on fireworks. She explained that she had received letters from her constituents expressing their frustration regarding the frequent use fireworks and the impact they had. A ban on fireworks was not suggested.
The Panel were advised that fireworks should not be set off between 11 pm - 7 am, except on certain occasions including bonfire night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year. The Council can investigate noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, although any action would be very limited due to the transitory nature of fireworks and other agencies may have more specific powers.
Members discussed the motion. Members agreed that the use of fireworks was a sensitive issue and that awareness should be raised. The Panel agreed to recommend the motion to Council for adoption, subject to a change to the wording of bullet point (c) to “request” rather than require the advertising of firework displays in advance. It was also agreed that bulletin point (d) be expanded to include Hampshire Fire and Rescue, Hampshire Constabulary and Trading Standards.
The Panel suggested a Task and Finish Group be set up to consider the amended motion. It was suggested that this be one meeting inviting the relevant stakeholders to consider a joint and integrated approach, in particular regarding the promotion of public awareness.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the Panel advise the Council that it is supportive of the following amended motion:
We live in a unique part of the world and as such we have unique problems and challenges when trying to protect not just our wildlife and pets, but the ponies, cattle and pigs who freely roam the forest. These are an integral part of our history and culture, the animals are people’s stock and livelihood. Fireworks can cause many problems for animals, not just from the noise, but from the debris of spent rockets which land within the forest, countryside and gardens which can cause severe distress or even death, if eaten.
Within the NFDC area there are also many people for whom fireworks are a source of distress, for example, the elderly, ex-service men and women and those who are vulnerable due to mental or physical challenges.
To this end the Council resolves to:
(a) Engage with Government and local Members of Parliament to seek greater national regulation with regard to private and organised firework displays.
(b) Actively promote a public awareness campaign within the District about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people, including precautions that can be taken to mitigate this.
(c) To request
require all public firework displays within (and encourage
those just outside) the District to be advertised in advance of the
event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and
vulnerable people.
(d) To work with the NFNPA, Forestry England and Hampshire County Council (including HCC Trading Standards and any other relevant services), Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Constabulary for a joint and integrated approach.
(ii) That it be recommended to Council that a Task and Finish Group be set up with key stakeholders, as detailed in (d) of the motion to consider a joint and integrated approach.