Local residents advised about Bonfire Night celebrations
East Lothian Council is reminding local residents and communities to be aware of new guidelines if planning any bonfire night celebrations this year. Due to covid-19 government and health guidelines concerning public gatherings the organised community firework display events have been cancelled this year leaving some people planning their own celebrations instead.
Environment spokesperson, Cllr Norman Hampshire, said: “The current advice to limit the number of people meeting outside to a maximum of six, and from no more than two households, means there won’t be big public displays this year. People planning to have their own fireworks displays at home will not just need to keep to these numbers but also, as a courtesy, we’re asking they notify neighbours in advance so animal owners and vulnerable people can plan too and take precautions.”
At the December 2019 full Council meeting a motion concerning a range of new measures for the sale and use of fireworks in East Lothian received unanimous support. Whilst many of the measures concerned the management of public displays which will not apply in 2020, it was recognised that the release of fireworks can cause distress and disturbance to people, domestic pets and wildlife and measures to mitigate such disturbances were to be introduced.
Cllr Hampshire added: “The Council does not want to restrict family fun events. Perhaps now more than ever people need something to look forward to but we all still need to observe the public health guidelines and be sensitive to the needs of others. If planning a Bonfire Night event at home please let neighbours know in advance.”