Residents in Reading hold mixed views about whether fireworks should be banned from public sale ahead of the annual event tonight (November 5).
Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night and Fireworks Night, is an annual commemoration observed primarily in Great Britain, involving bonfires and fireworks displays.
However, fireworks are used all across the UK for numerous celebrations including birthdays and New Years.
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Some residents believe fireworks should be banned from public sale due to the impact on animals.
One resident said: “It terrifies my dog, causes adverse effects on wildlife and great distress to farm animals and horses.
“All of that as well as storing them safely, away from children and keeping everyone safe. It seems that professional fireworks have become more and more available to the general public and are so dangerous to use in an average garden.
“It has become an absolute nightmare. People now let them off for every major life event. It has got well out of hand.”
Another resident agreed, writing: “They should only should be used at organised events with a license. Immediately stop selling them in shops.”
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A third resident, also in agreement, claimed they saw kids using the fireworks illegally.
They wrote: “I’d say yes, not just because it traumatises a lot of pets but in the wrong hands they are a dangerous weapon.
“For example, a couple of nights ago some kids were launching fireworks across cemetery junction at Tesco, feet away from customers and passersby, it’s concerning.”
“Yes this year has been bad so far,” another wrote. “And it's not Bonfire Night ye, it's bad for dogs and people shops should only be allowed to sell silent ones from shops.”
However, not all residents were in agreement and stated that the fireworks are fun as long as they are used safely.
“No, why can't we have some fun and freedom,” one wrote. “Countless things are banned I've lost count.”
Another agreed, writing: “No, it’s the principal of the thing, yes they can be annoying at times but if someone wants to buy fireworks for a garden party then so be it - it’s not for anyone to say what someone else can or can’t do.
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“People should be free to choose otherwise it’s a slippery slope to a complete nanny state.”
Not all residents were for or against the idea of banning fireworks, with one writing: “I’m on the fence with regards to fireworks.
“In the wrong hands they are dangerous but in the right hands let people enjoy them safely.”
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