Few could have missed the latest round of nuisance fireworks, not least of all when are set off late into the night.
I’ve been contacted by a number of residents rightly concerned about the late-night use of fireworks — often well beyond acceptable hours — causing serious distress for families, older residents, pet owners and those with mental health conditions.
Let me be absolutely clear: this kind of antisocial behaviour is unacceptable, and no one should feel unsafe or unable to sleep peacefully in their own home. And it’s fair to say that public patience with these all to regular selfish acts has worn thin.
Police are aware that a some of the issue is currently originating from groups of cars gathering in Chadderton Hall Park, the council and the police are aware of this and are actively monitoring the situation to resolve this.
I’ve contacted Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Police again to raise these concerns. I’ve asked for increased patrols in hotspot areas, stronger enforcement of existing laws, and a clearer reporting mechanism for residents to raise issues quickly and easily.
While fireworks can be part of cultural and family celebrations, they must be used responsibly and within the law. Under the Fireworks Regulations 2004, it is an offence to use fireworks after 11pm and before 7am without permission (except on permitted fireworks nights when the times are extended). Unfortunately, what we’re seeing more and more are incidents where fireworks are being misused to cause disruption late into the night, sometimes into the early hours waking up whole neighbourhoods.
Here’s some of the action being taken;
Our Labour-run Council continues to work hard to support residents affected by antisocial behaviour — whether that’s by supporting community safety officers, investing in CCTV, or working with local youth services to offer better alternatives for young people where that’s the cause. They have also previously carried out visits to venues which have been reported to them by local residents. But we know more needs to be done.
That’s the Labour government is committed to tackling this issue head on through:
‘Respect orders’ to grant the police, council and social landlords powers to impose tougher penalties on offenders engaged in antisocial behaviour, including the misuse of fireworks.
Supporting the council’s early intervention strategy to educate young people on the risks associated with firework misuse.
Restoring neighbourhood policing through 13,000 additional neighbourhood police officers to improve response times and have a single point of contact for firework complaints.
Enhanced licensing checks at shops, including extra visits by the police.
Initiatives by Labour MPs to reduce the legal decibel level of fireworks.
Tightening regulations on the sale and misuse of fireworks to stop them getting into the wrong hands, particularly the sale of fireworks to children.
This isn’t just about law enforcement — it’s about respect for our neighbours and communities. Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live.
If you’re affected by this issue, please don’t suffer in silence. Report incidents to the police via 101 (or 999 in emergencies), and to the council’s antisocial behaviour team. And as always, you can contact my office directly — I will continue to push for action on your behalf.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 