"Sadly, many of us are only too aware of the negative impact modern 120 decibel fireworks can have on us.  Last year, my friend's horse sadly died due to the stress caused by the loud bangs. 

"A local farmer reported that she was with her pregnant mare, who was incredibly distressed and in danger of losing her foal. I saw countless pictures and posts online of people with their distressed cats and dogs. 

"Someone reminded people about the poor eight month old zebra called Hope, at Noahs Ark Zoo farm, who was so terrified by fireworks that she bolted and was killed by the impact with the enclosure.

"People with children and loved ones who suffer with PTSD, autism and other nervous illnesses, desperately asking for help and advice and cursing every single loud bang. Others with family members who were elderly and vulnerable, some suffering with alzheimers or dementia, all terrified and confused by the noise surrounding them, which they could not escape. 

"I remember the news from Springwatch with the upsetting pictures of an entire group of dead robins, all frightened to death. Having two dogs myself, I am only too aware of the impact that loud fireworks can have on our lives.

"However, not everyone feels the same way about fireworks, many people love the excitement, the colour, the display, the tradition, the celebration and cannot or will not accept the negative side of them. 

"Each year I sign several petitions calling for them to be either banned, or display only, or calling for a better awareness campaign, and sadly nothing ever seems to change. So, what can we do differently? And how can we move this issue forward?

"I would like to ask North Somerset Council to become, what I believe would be the first, 'Low Noise Fireworks County' in the UK. 'Low Noise' fireworks are virtually silent at ground level and approximately 70 decibels in the air (so about half of the legal limit). It's roughly equivalent to a car door being slammed shut. 

"My proposal would not stop people enjoying fireworks and would not affect the industry.  'Low Noise' fireworks are already widely available and used.  It’s not perfect but much better than the current situation. 

"I’ve recently written to every Parish and Town Council asking them to support this proposal, and the good news is that many have already written to the Chair of the Licensing Committee at North Somerset Council, who is also supportive of these proposals.

"I’ve also written to many organisers of displays across North Somerset, and the response has been very positive, many committing to only buying and displaying 'Low Noise' fireworks for 2023, fantastic news!

"Last November I attended a 'Low Noise Fireworks' display at Old Down Country Park and what a much kinder display it was! Lots of young children. Lots of people with dogs and I even stopped to say hello to some very chilled out goats on the way out!  It had all the usual sparkle and fizz, but the whizzes and bangs were at a much lower/softer/kinder level. 

"I really hope all candidates standing in the upcoming Local Elections will support this proposal and help make “Low Noise' fireworks the norm for North Somerset. More sparkle and less bang!"

Lorraine Hopkinson, Backwell Common, North Somerset.