PRESS RELEASE
12 November 2002
Government must curb firework use says Ottaway
Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway has written to the Government to urge them to take immediate steps to curb the use of noisy fireworks. In a letter to Trade and Industry Minister Melanie Johnson, Mr Ottaway points out the upset and disturbance that fireworks cause to people and animals. (see letter below)
Commenting on his letter Richard Ottaway said:
"Undoubtedly there is a growing intolerance to fireworks being let off for days on end in the period running up to Guy Fawkes night and beyond. Also the fireworks that are available for home use seem to be getting louder and more sophisticated.
"Every year I receive an increasing number of letters from constituents who are fed up with this constant disturbance, sometimes very late at night. Also, many of these constituents have family pets who become very distressed by the bangs.
"It is time that the Government took some tough and immediate action to reduce this problem."
END
For further information please call 020 7219 6392.
Ms Melanie Johnson MP
PUSS
DTI
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET12 November 2002
Dear Melanie
The past two weeks have been particularly bad for elderly and infirm people and families with pets that get distressed by the letting off of fireworks. It would seem that fireworks are now sold earlier and earlier in advance of Guy Fawkes and are still available long after. It also seems that the bangs get louder and louder as the fireworks become more and more sophisticated.
Every year I get an increasing number of letters from constituents who are concerned about the increasing use of fireworks, sometimes until very late at night, and I urge the Government to take the necessary action to restrict further the period when fireworks can be bought and perhaps limit the time of day that they can be used. I know that it would also be popular if there could be further restrictions on the noise level of fireworks.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
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