Authorities ‘working together’ to tackle late-night fireworks nuisance

Leeds City Council says it is aware of issues with late-night fireworks affecting people living in Calverley and Farsley and is working with Bradford Council and police to tackle the issue.

WLD last month featured concerns from Councillor Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley) that late-night fireworks coming from were ‘completely out of hand’ and has called for both councils and the police to work together to resolve the late-night disturbances.

“It really is time for action” he said. “The police’s reputation is not being done any good by a lack of action.”

Cllr Craig Timmins and Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) said: ““As local residents ourselves we share residents’ concerns and annoyance at the constant use of fireworks late in the evenings.

“They are often going on way beyond 11pm, which is against the law, as is setting them off in public places.

“This happens every year, so we raised this pre-emptively before the current issues started in our regular community safety meetings. We have since been liaising with the police and council’s anti-social behaviour team to push for tougher action so are therefore disappointed that the issue seems to be getting worse.

“Many of the incidents and suspected venues fall under the jurisdiction of Bradford East Police and Bradford Council. We have asked both our local police and the council to engage with their counterparts in Bradford to ensure action is being taken. It is unacceptable for this to continue, and we expect tough action to be taken and a coordinated approach.

“We encourage residents to continue to report any fireworks being set off between 11pm and 7am by calling 101 or on the West Yorkshire Police live chat, giving as much information as possible.”

Leeds City Council has now issued a comment on the late-night noise issues, which have also affected people living in Pudsey and Farnley.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We are aware of reports from residents in Farsley and Calverley about noise from fireworks at night.

“‘We are working together with Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police to respond to these complaints.”

Following WLD’s last report on the issue, resident Vivienne Smith commented: “Night after night fireworks are disturbing our sleep as they begin long after the legal deadline of 11pm. No care for others with pets and babies. If no action is taken against them it will continue and get worse. What is happening to our lovely Pudsey area?”

And D Davidson added: “The real difficulty is when you try and report these issues as they ‘need to know specifically where the fireworks are being set off’ which is the difficult issue in Pudsey as you can just see that the general direction is across towards Bradford.

“It is deeply disappointing that despite the assurances given and the apparent existence of enforcement powers, the situation continues to deteriorate. Residents feel increasingly ignored and let down by the lack of visible action from those agencies tasked with upholding the law.”

Officers from the Calverley and Farsley neighbourhood policing team last month said they were tackling the anti-social use of fireworks in the area, working alongside partner agencies to take action against repeat offenders.

Article updated 4 September 3.09pm to include quote from Cllrs Timmins and Carlill.