Council, Police and Fire Service working together to tackle late-night fireworks

Together they are urging residents to use fireworks in a responsible and considerate manner, respecting neighbours as well as pets and wildlife.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “We recognise the significant impact that fireworks can have on residents’ quality of life and we’re appealing for people to be considerate of others.

“Fireworks are being set off in neighbourhoods at all times of the day and night with absolutely no regard for the community, and this is not acceptable.

“As well as disturbing people’s sleep, fireworks can cause significant anxiety for vulnerable residents, pets and wildlife, and they can pose a serious fire risk, including wildfires.”

It is illegal to set off fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night, Diwali, New Year and Chinese New Year.

Fireworks should only be used on private property, such as a garden or yard, and must never be set off in public spaces.

It is also an offence for anyone under the age of 18 to possess fireworks in public places and for anyone, apart from firework professionals, to have professional display fireworks.                                  

The penalty is a fine of up to £5,000 and a prison sentence of up to six months.

Councillor Mahmood stressed: “To tackle this issue effectively, we need the community’s help.

“Information from residents about who is setting off fireworks, where incidents are taking place and when is vital.

“By reporting incidents and providing as much detail as possible, residents can help us take appropriate action against those responsible.”

Inspector Rob Grey, of the Pendle and Ribble Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “We take a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour, and those involved will face serious consequences.

“We’re working closely with our partners to prevent fireworks-related disorder and anti-social behaviour across Pendle.

“Fireworks in the wrong hands can be dangerous - one careless act can lead to devastating consequences, both for the individuals responsible and for any potential victims.

“I urge members of the public to report any concerns to us, and we will continue to proactively respond as part of Op Centurion, our county-wide campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour, to make Lancashire a safer and nicer place to live.”

Station Manager Tony Hewitt for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s Pendle District added: “Our communities have the right to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods.

“By working together - residents, local agencies, and community partners - we can help prevent incidents from escalating and ensure that fireworks remain part of safe and responsible celebrations rather than becoming a source of fear, harm, or disruption.

“Please speak with young people about the dangers associated with fireworks and the consequences of their misuse.”

If you have any information about who is setting off fireworks, and when and where they are doing this, contact Lancashire Police by calling 101 or report it online at www.lancashire.police.uk

You can also report it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If there is an ongoing emergency relating to fireworks, please call 999.