Livingston MP relaunches local fireworks survey as Bonfire Night approaches
Livingston constituency MP constituency asks residents to have their say as UK Government consults on tougher fireworks rules.
Gregor Poynton MP is relaunching his constituency-wide fireworks survey as fireworks season approaches, giving residents across the West Lothian ara the chance to have their say on what should change.
The survey comes as the UK Labour Government carries out its biggest review of fireworks legislation in years, with its consultation on fireworks and pyrotechnics closing on October 7.
Gregor will use the responses from residents across the Livingston constituency to inform his representations to the UK Government and ensure that local experiences and concerns are fed into the national debate.
Last year, Gregor surveyed local residents on fireworks and whether Firework Control Zones should be introduced.
The response was clear, with 85% of the 272 respondents supporting a complete ban on fireworks, while almost half backed limiting fireworks to set times only. 129 respondents said fireworks should only be available to licensed operators or organised public displays.
Since then, Gregor has continued to campaign for stronger action, including calling for Firework Control Zones across West Lothian and writing to major supermarkets urging them to voluntarily withdraw fireworks from sale ahead of Bonfire Night.
Now, with fireworks season approaching once again, Gregor is asking residents whether their views have changed and what they want to see happen next.
The UK Government’s consultation is considering proposals including restricting the availability of noisier fireworks to the general public, adding further products to the list of fireworks already banned on safety grounds, and reviewing the regulations covering lower-risk fireworks.
The consultation is UK-wide, although some aspects of fireworks regulation are devolved in Scotland.
Commenting, Gregor Poynton MP said: “Fireworks season is fast approaching, and for many people that means looking forward to organised displays and celebrations. But for others, it means weeks of anxiety about loud bangs, late-night fireworks and anti-social behaviour.
“I’ve been campaigning on this issue since I was elected, and last year residents across the Livingston constituency sent me a very clear message that they want stronger action.
“Since then, the UK Government has launched a consultation on tougher fireworks rules, so now is the time to make sure the voices of people in our communities are heard.
“I’m relaunching my local survey so I can find out what residents think should happen next and make sure those views are fed into the Government’s consultation.
“If fireworks are going to light up our skies this autumn, I want to make sure the concerns of local residents aren’t left in the dark."
The Government has said its proposals are intended to address concerns around noise and anti-social behaviour while allowing fireworks to continue to be used responsibly for celebrations and organised displays.