A survey conducted by Stirling MP Alyn Smith has found that the vast majority of Stirling residents support additional restrictions on the private use of fireworks, with 89.2% of respondents saying that they would support a ban with fireworks only being permitted to properly regulated public displays.

Of a survey of nearly 1,000 people:

79% of respondents said that they considered fireworks to be a nuisance.

87% of people said they considered them to be a danger to animals.

74% said they considered fireworks to be dangerous generally.

89% said they would like to see more restrictions.

89% said they would like to see the private use of fireworks banned.

The survey demonstrates a similar trend in opinion to the Scottish Government’s consultation on fireworks, published last year, where 87% of people supported a ban.

The survey was launched following Guy Fawkes Night at the beginning of the month, and will inform representations Mr Smith makes to the Scottish Government on firework control.

The Scottish Government recently welcomed a report from experts that recommended a series of restrictions to be introduced around firework use.

Alyn Smith MP said: 

“I’m very grateful to the hundreds of people who took the time to respond to my survey on fireworks. A staggering number of local people have told me through this survey that they consider fireworks to be a nuisance and a danger.

“Every year, the SSPCA issues guidance on how to protect your pets at home from firework distress. However, the vast majority of respondents to my survey still feel that fireworks are detrimental to the health of pets, livestock, and wildlife.

“Like the Scottish Government, I welcome the report from the expert review group, calling for tighter controls of fireworks, as far as it goes. There are a number of recommendations that are worth giving serious consideration to, such as the creation of no-fireworks zones, and I’m interested to understand more about how this could help protect my constituents from the nuisance that fireworks can cause.

“Many people let off fireworks in a safe and considerate way, but it can’t be denied that the nuisance they seem to cause can often be widespread.  

“I will write to the Scottish Government, sharing the results of this survey, as ministers consider how best to regulate the private use of fireworks in Scotland.”

Notes

Scottish Government press release on Review Group findings: https://www.gov.scot/news/tackling-anti-social-fireworks-use/