Agenda item - Public Involvement

To consider the following matters raised by members of the public:

(a)          Petitions: To receive any petitions presented by members of the public to the full Council or at the meeting itself. To receive and consider the petition referred from the meeting of Council on 6 April 2017 (copy attached);

(b)          Written Questions: To receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 22 June 2017;

(c)          Deputations: To receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 22 June 2017.

5a        Petitions

5.1       Councillor Daniel, the Chair, noted that a petition by containing 668 signatures had been put forward by Ms Cook representing 38 degrees. Ms Cook was invited forward to speak in support of her petition set out below:

“We the undersigned, are asking Brighton & Hove City Council to 1) assess the impact of fireworks on the people and the domestic and wild animals in the community and environment of Brighton & Hove 2) consider what alternatives might be available (for example to investigate if there is a way to reduce noise but keep the spectacle. Silent firework displays could, for example, pave the way for fabulous musical events with music instead of explosions accompanying the fireworks and 3) review the sale of fireworks to the public for private use with particular reference to the allowable sound volume.”

5.2       The Chair, thanked Ms Cook for her petition and responded in the following terms:

”The Council shares people’s concerns about the impact of fireworks on wildlife and pets.

We ask the public to follow the RSPCA advice on how to keep their pets safe during firework season.

There are lots of simple things that the public can do to help pets deal with fireworks. By preparing in advance before fireworks start pets are better able to cope with the noises.

Large scale firework events, in the city, are organised by private companies. The council ensures that these event organisers comply with health and safety requirements.

The Fireworks Regulation 2004 restricts the times fireworks can be used and prohibits of supply of excessively loud fireworks. This is enforced by the Police and Trading Standards.

Thank you for the innovative idea of silent fireworks with music. I will pass this idea on to the councils Events Team, to see if they can promote the idea with events organisers.

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fireworks

5.3       RESOLVED – That the content of the petition and the Chair’s response be received and noted.

5b       Written Questions

5.4       There were none.

5c        Deputations

5.5       There were none.