Should fireworks be banned? Southampton residents have their say

For some they are a dazzling form of entertainment, for others they are a booming nuisance.

Every year as Bonfire Night rolls around, the debate surrounding fireworks is sparked once more.

Some Southampton residents have concerns regarding the noise from fireworks, while others think that they should be enjoyed freely.

Here’s what our readers said when we asked, ‘should the sale of fireworks be banned?’

Photo by Camera Club member John Osman

Many readers said that yes, they should be banned, but only to the public and not for organised events.

One commenter said: “Yes to the public but not for organised events.

“My dog went nuts tonight because some inconsiderate person in our neighbourhood is already letting them off. Animals can be terrified of them and children, if not supervised, can be burnt by them.”

This thought was echoed by another reader: “If it was restricted to one night, it would be great, but the fireworks start the week before and continue until the week after.

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“Two weeks of hell with animals terrified night after night. It’s too much.”

One commenter described the use of fireworks after Bonfire Night as “infuriating.”

They said: “If people want to go to a display that is held on one day (November 5) that’s fair, but to have fireworks going off for a couple of weeks before November 5 and a couple of weeks after is infuriating when you have pets.

“It’s cruel and unfair to terrify animals unnecessarily just because it’s fireworks night.

“Unless the sale of them is banned to the public things will never change.”

Photo by Camera Club member Dave Horrocks

Concerns regarding pet welfare were raised numerous times by readers.

A recent poll by the RSPCA revealed that 52 per cent of UK adults in England and Wales will be holding private displays at home with friends and family.

The charity said: “This spike in private displays (29 per cent more than in 2019), could cause havoc for pets, livestock and wildlife.”

One reader said that the sale of fireworks should be banned for the stress they cause, and that they are a “waste of resources.”

They said: “Fireworks can cause stress and kill animals, wild and domesticated.

“People are injured and killed, it triggers some PTSD, and causes pollution.”

Although the majority of comments were in support of the ban, many voiced their alternative opinions.

One reader said: “I would like to see people try and stop fireworks displays.

“If there really was a problem, they would have banned them long before now. Let's not ruin other people's fun as long as they are being used safely and sensibly.”

Another said: “No, I love fireworks. Even the dog loves watching them. Get a life snowflakes.”

A similar sentiment was shared by another reader, who said: “What a bunch of wet wipes.

“I bet we can all name someone who's been killed by a firework, oh no hang on we can't.

“What next, wooden kitchen knives? Get a grip, everything is dangerous in the wrong hands.”

Photo by Camera Club member Paul Hutchinson

In light of the concerns raised surrounding the sale and use of fireworks nationwide, some UK supermarkets have changed their stance on firework sales.

Earlier this month, Sainsbury’s that they would not be selling fireworks this year, having not stocked the items since 2019.

Fireworks will be for sale at Tesco this year, as well as at Asda, but ‘silent’ fireworks will also be available at the latter.

Aldi will be selling fireworks this year, and their 2021 range comes with new noise ranges so customers can choose from a noise rating of low, medium, or high.

Lidl will be selling fireworks this year, along with Morrisons, whose fireworks will only be available in-store.