Monday November 18th 2024
Colin Beattie MSP, Midlothian North & Musselburgh, writes his monthly column for Midlothian View
Each year following the 5th of November, I am inundated with correspondence from concerned constituents. While many enjoy the spectacle, recent anti-social behaviour incidents across Edinburgh and the Lothians reveal the sinister side of bonfire night, sparking calls from residents and emergency responders alike for stronger protections up to a full ban.
Constituents have advised me they felt trapped in their own home, their pet terrified by the constant noise from nearby fireworks, and in some severe cases, pets having seizures.
Our emergency services also bear the brunt of this chaos. Police and paramedics are stretched thin every season, responding to these dangerous incidents, and in some cases, being attacked by misused fireworks. Their time and resources should be focused on true emergencies, not preventable calls like firework misuse.
The argument for a ban is compelling and one which I support, but unfortunately, powers for an outright ban are not within the competency of the Scottish Parliament.
A full ban would not end celebrations but would simply ensure fireworks were used in a controlled, safe, planned environment sparing our communities from the dangers of anti-social behaviour.
I am pleased that the Scottish Government is aware of the problem the reckless use of fireworks brings and introduced the Firework and Pyrotechnics Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 empowering local councils to restrict where and when fireworks can be used. The Act introduces a licensing system for firework purchases and bans certain pyrotechnic devices.
These are important strides forward; however, I do understand the strong feeling from my constituents that more must be done, I share this view. We owe it to our communities who mark bonfire night in their diary, not to remind them of the celebration, but the fear and disruption the celebration brings to move towards a full ban on fireworks.
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