FIREWORK suppliers will be encouraged to sell ‘quieter’ products for public display after councillors raised concerns about their impact on animals and vulnerable people.

Cheshire West and Chester Council will also encourage public firework displays to advertise in advance of their event following a vote at Tuesday’s meeting.

The authority will also lobby Government, urging it to introduce a maximum noise level on fireworks of 90 decibels.

Cllr Simon Eardley, Conservative, told councillors that loud fireworks can scare pets or animals in rural areas, and lead to anti-social behaviour in towns.

He said: “Whilst for many people fireworks bring much enjoyment, they aren’t universally popular, and do cause problems for some.

Northwich Guardian:

“This isn’t a call for a ban on fireworks – it is a debate about sensible, controlled use to mitigate the potential damage they can cause.”

It is hoped the plans will allow residents who suffer as a result of the loud bangs from fireworks to plan ahead and try to avoid displays, while ‘quieter’ fireworks could limit the chances of animals or humans being scared by sudden bangs.

Cllr Andrew Cooper, Labour member for Leftwich, told councillors that the changes could help children with sensory processing difficulties, who struggle to cope when they hear unexpected loud noises.

He said: “The best way for parents to be able to deal with this is to prepare in advance for the event.

Northwich Guardian:

“The measures set out in this motion will help parents do this and will hopefully lead to more children being able to enjoy fireworks.”

Cllr Jill Houlbrook, Conservative, added: “How do our veterans who maybe have post-traumatic stress disorder cope on any night when there are loud fireworks going off?

“Whilst I am an animal lover, and I have two cats who don’t like the fireworks, my primary concern is with human beings who really have no control over the timing or actual placing of fireworks.”

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But while admitting the plans were ‘very well intended’, Cllr Paul Roberts, Liberal Democrat, doubted they would be effective.

CWAC is now expected to launch a public awareness campaign on the effects fireworks can have on vulnerable residents and animals.