Cabinet think again about fireworks displays

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 17th Oct 2002

Tuesday's meeting of Richmond Council's Cabinet deferred a decision on the new Events Policy, and in particular concerning fireworks displays.

Three representatives of local amenity societies and Councillor David Williams persuaded the Cabinet to think again.

Following noisy late night fireworks displays in Ham in August the Council has drawn up an Events Policy about the use of public open spaces. Sir David Williams also suggested that organisations like the National Trust (Ham House) and English Heritage (Marble Hill Park) are asked to join in a voluntary code of practice.

This would cover such things as noise level, finish time, notification of local residents and deposits to ensure compliance.

The representations on Tuesday asked for a 10.30 pm finish time, not directing fireworks displays only to Ham Common and Ham Riverside of all the borough's open spaces, and in particular not repeating the problems last August when everyone within a mile of Ham House was woken up by loud explosions just before midnight.

Councillor Williams said, "Everyone enjoys fireworks, within reason, but the Council and other landowners must strike a sensible balance between party goers enjoying fireworks and the surrounding community not suffering serious noise nuisance late at night waking people up."