SOLIHULL’S MP is speaking out against fireworks – and the effect they are having on local residents and pets.
Julian Knight spoke up for affected families at a Westminster debate in support of proposals by the charity the Dogs Trust to make councils take animal distress into account when licencing fireworks.
Pointing out local authorities have to take the location and how well-publicised the event has been, Mr Knight said Solihull has a record of delivering ‘fun, well-organised fireworks events.’
But in recent weeks the Observer has been inundated with letters and calls from residents plagued by fireworks being set off late at night throughout the year.
They complain of fireworks being set off past 11pm at night, causing themselves and their pets – particularly dogs – distress.
Promising to help affected residents and pet owners, Mr Knight said: “Many constituents have contacted me privately about the inappropriate use of fireworks in our community, and I’ll be liaising with the police and the council to see how we can curb this sort of anti-social behaviour.”