The Parish Council understands residents concerns relating to fireworks; however, it does not have statutory powers to deal with noise nuisance complaints. Responsibility for investigating and taking action on noise issues, including those relating to fireworks, lies with East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Residents who wish to make a formal complaint should contact the Council’s Environmental Health team, who are responsible for enforcing noise control legislation. You can find details and report issues via the Council’s website:
- East Riding of Yorkshire Council Environmental Health (search for “noise nuisance” on their site)
- Main website: https://www.eastriding.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01482 393939
Legal position on fireworks in the UK
Fireworks are regulated under several pieces of legislation, including the Fireworks Regulations 2004 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Key points include:
- Fireworks may generally only be used between 7am and 11pm.
- Extended hours are allowed on certain dates:
- Until midnight on New Year’s Eve
- Until 1am on Chinese New Year, Diwali, and Bonfire Night
- It is an offence to set off fireworks outside these permitted hours (except for licensed displays).
- Fireworks must not cause a statutory nuisance, such as excessive or unreasonable noise, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
- Local authorities have powers to investigate complaints and, where appropriate, issue warnings or abatement notices.
If a display is organised and falls within permitted hours, it may be lawful, but it can still be investigated if it is considered to create a noise nuisance.