Council
New fireworks pledge asks organisers to give neighbours seven days’ notice
Organisers of large fireworks displays in Blackburn with Darwen are being encouraged to give neighbours at least seven days’ notice under a new voluntary charter aimed at making celebrations safer and reducing disruption to residents and animals.
Blackburn with Darwen Council is preparing to adopt a Responsible Fireworks Charter, setting out commitments for retailers, event organisers, venues and residents.
The initiative aims to reduce firework-related injuries, nuisance and anti-social behaviour while encouraging people to consider neighbours, pets and the wider environment.
It builds on the borough’s existing BrightSparx campaign, which brings together the council, Lancashire Police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and community partners to promote firework safety.
What will the new fireworks charter mean?
The proposed charter includes several voluntary commitments designed to encourage more responsible firework sales and displays.
For retailers:
- Strengthen age verification checks.
- Refuse sales where there are concerns about misuse or purchases being made on someone else’s behalf.
- Discourage bulk purchases without a legitimate reason.
- Train staff in fireworks legislation and safe handling.
- Display safety information and cooperate with enforcement agencies.
For event organisers:
- Register displays with the Event Safety Advisory Group.
- Prepare an event management plan.
- Purchase fireworks from licensed, reputable suppliers.
- Give neighbouring residents at least seven days’ notice before large displays.
For residents:
- Inform neighbours before setting off fireworks.
- Hold displays earlier in the evening where possible.
- Avoid repeated firework use to minimise disruption.
- Report dangerous or illegal use.
- Dispose of household waste responsibly rather than burning it.
The council would also commit to promoting licensed, organised displays and supporting registered community events.
Importantly, the charter is voluntary. It does not introduce additional legal restrictions on fireworks or make the seven-day notification period a legal requirement.
Encouraging consideration for neighbours and pets
Councillor Jim Casey, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Resident Services, said:
“We want everyone to enjoy their celebrations. Giving neighbours advance notice and thinking about pets and people who find fireworks distressing can make a real difference.
“This Charter is about looking out for one another. We’re also working with partners to support young people and tackle behaviour that makes others feel unsafe.
“I would like to say thank you to everyone helping keep our neighbourhoods and town centre safe.”
Firework safety campaign continues
The council’s BrightSparx campaign has been working with schools and community organisations to raise awareness of firework safety and the consequences of misuse.
The partnership has also promoted responsible waste disposal, information about licensed fireworks retailers and support for organisers planning public displays.
Jonny Ashton, Group Manager and Community Protection Manager for the Eastern Area at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night safely. Through BrightSparx, we’re working with schools and community partners to explain the dangers of firework misuse and prevent incidents.
“Attending an organised display is a safer way to enjoy fireworks. Please plan ahead and consider your neighbours.”
Police tackle firework misuse and anti-social behaviour
The announcement comes alongside increased police activity targeting anti-social behaviour in Blackburn town centre.
Lancashire Constabulary’s Operation Nox has involved additional patrols and joint working with council youth services, community safety teams, bus station security and other partners.
In an update on 5 November, Lancashire Police reported nine arrests and 54 stop searches during the first three weeks of the operation, which began in mid-October.
Officers have also been working to identify vulnerable young people and provide safeguarding support, alongside action to address reports of fireworks being set off in public areas.
Chief Inspector Patrick Worden, responsible for Neighbourhood Policing in Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn, said:
“Everyone should be able to enjoy Blackburn town centre safely. Through Operation Nox, we’re tackling crime and anti-social behaviour while working with youth teams and other partners to offer support where it is needed.
“Op Nox is running alongside Op Brightsparx, our multi-agency response over the Bonfire Night period to make sure everyone enjoys fireworks safely and responsibly. Firework misuse can have serious consequences, and we have seen the devastating impact they can have across East Lancashire in recent years when in the wrong hands. Please report anti-social behaviour to us, so we can understand what is happening and respond.”
What are the legal times for setting off fireworks?
Although the proposed charter is voluntary, existing laws restrict when and where fireworks can be used.
In England, fireworks generally cannot be set off between 11pm and 7am, with exceptions for certain celebrations.
| Occasion | Latest permitted time |
|---|---|
| Most days | 11pm |
| Bonfire Night, 5 November | Midnight |
| New Year’s Eve | 1am |
| Diwali | 1am |
| Chinese New Year | 1am |
It is also illegal to throw or set off fireworks in streets or other public places.
Residents are encouraged to attend organised displays where possible, consider the impact on neighbours and animals, and report dangerous or illegal firework use.
How to report firework misuse
Residents can report firework-related anti-social behaviour or other non-emergency incidents to Lancashire Constabulary by calling 101.
Reports can also be submitted online:
https://www.lancashire.police.uk/ro/report/lb/report-antisocial-behaviour
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger or a crime is taking place.