Noisy neighbour's fireworks spark 18 complaints by angry residents
A noisy neighbour faced 18 complaints from people living nearby over setting off fireworks at their home.
In total 23 complaints were made over the misuse of fireworks to Walsall Council last year with the majority relating to just one person.
The individual was dealt with by public protection officers who served noise abatement orders preventing them from continuing.
The figure emerged at a full Walsall Council meeting on Monday.
It came when Liberal Democrat group leader Ian Shires asked Councillor Garry Perry, cabinet member for community leisure and culture, about what action was being taken to combat the problem.
Councillor Shires said: “Do you share the concerns of my constituents about misuse of fireworks and related anti-social behaviour we witnessed, not just on bonfire night but throughout the year?”
Councillor Perry said discussions were already taking place within the cabinet about further actions to be taken against against offenders.
He said: “I do share the same concerns. Post this year’s events in November, both myself and Councillor Louise Harrison shared and promoted an online petition calling for further measures to be undertaken in respect of restricting the sale of fireworks.
“Nationally, it is controlled heavily from manufacturing, safety, transportation, storage sales and use so there is quite a lot of legislation already in place that enforces the use of fireworks in pre-sale and after.
“The number of complaints we received in the last 12 months were 23 across regulatory services for the misuse of fireworks throughout the year.
“Those related to six locations and 18 of these related to one perpetrator and appropriate action has been taken.
“In this instance, the individual was referred to public protection officers who served noise abatement notices on the householder for both persistent fireworks and causing noise nuisance.”
