Several councils have told organisers of bonfire night-themed events that fireworks are too noisy and disruptive following a string of complaints as locals dub them ‘killjoys’
Councils are looking to stop firework displays (file)(Image: GettyImages)
Spoilsport councils have taken the bang out of Bonfire night after telling events to use silent fireworks.
Councils around the country have also told families to do the same in their gardens so they don’t disturb neighbours.
Sandwell Council in the West Midlands told organisers to swap normal fireworks for quieter ones after complaints booms were too loud.
But the move has been slammed by locals who dubbed them “killjoys”.
Local Dave Hughes said: “These people on the council forget they were once kids themselves. Stop being killjoys.”
Jake Coster said: “It’s once a year. They are fireworks – the whole idea is they make a bang when they go off.”
People have been urged to use silent fireworks (stock) (Image: GettyImages)
Kerrie Carmichael, leader of Sandwell Council, said: “We had a number of complaints after fireworks last year and started a campaign asking displays to use low-noise fireworks. Loud ones frighten people and animals.”
Guildford Borough Council, Surrey, said families should use silent fireworks in gardens to avoid scaring neighbours.
The authority’s guide to “celebrating responsibly” said: “Choose low-noise or silent fireworks to reduce stress for pets, livestock and neighbours.”
Oxford’s main fireworks event for 20,000 people, which ditched a bonfire last year, will for the first time hold a quiet fireworks show as well as a normal one.
Organisers said: “The low-noise display ensures the event is as enjoyable as possible for all.”
It comes as some Guy Fawkes Night shows are switching from fireworks to lasers, citing climate change fears.
Rob Pavis, headteacher of Kingsley School, Bideford, Devon, said: “We’re trading fireworks for lasers. They are more thoughtful, more inclusive and much better for the environment.”
Spoilsport councils have also cancelled a string of fireworks – meaning thousands of families will miss out.
Tamworth, Staffs, axed its show after some grumpy residents moaned about ticket prices. Truro, Cornwall, ditched its fireworks after parking problems, and a free display in Derby was scrapped as too many people came last year.
An annual firefighters’ fireworks show for 5,000 people in Falmouth, Cornwall, was even cancelled for safety reasons.
Local Jimmy Ashton wrote: “If the fire brigade can’t put on safe fireworks, it gives little hope.”
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