COUNCILLORS in Wrexham have unanimously backed action to reduce the risk posed by fireworks towards animals and vulnerable people.

A motion was put forward to Wrexham Council asking all 52 members to support a requirement for public firework displays in the county to be advertised in advance, allowing residents to take precautions for their pets.

It also called for them to approve the launch of a public awareness campaign about the problems caused by fireworks and to encourage retailers to stock ‘quieter’ alternatives.

The motion was submitted by the Wrexham Independents Group after community leaders said they had been contacted by a number of people who were concerned about the misuse of fireworks.

Speaking at a full council meeting held yesterday, group leader David A Bithell said the proposals had also received the backing of the RSPCA.

He said: “The RSPCA is inundated with calls each year, receiving on average 400 relating to fireworks.

“They have seen an increase in the last five years of approximately 12 per cent in complaints and serious incidents across Wales and the UK.

“I understand this legislation doesn’t fall directly within the council; in fact, it was debated in Westminster in November earlier in the year following several petitions across the UK.

“What I’m asking the council to do today is to support the RSPCA in this motion.”

Wrexham has followed in the footsteps of several other councils in Wales by approving the motion, which is linked the RSPCA’s Bang Out Of Order campaign.

A similar proposal was recently passed in Flintshire following the death of a horse in Holywell, which was said to have been “spooked” by fireworks in the run up to Bonfire Night this year.

Councillors in Wrexham said they would directly lobby the Welsh Government to impose tougher restrictions on the use of fireworks.

Their actions have been praised by RSPCA Cymru’s public affairs adviser Lewis Clark.

He said: “We are delighted that Wrexham County Borough Council has backed a series of measures to mitigate the risk fireworks can pose to animals and their welfare.

“The RSPCA is inundated with calls each year about welfare concerns for animals connected to fireworks, but measures like those adopted by Wrexham councillors can make a real difference.

“Preparedness is so important – and better advertising of displays and a public awareness campaign could make all the difference in ensuring people know what steps to take to keep pets and other animals safe, and when.

“The RSPCA is thrilled to see these positive steps being taken by the council and hopes other local authorities across Wales will take similar ones in the name of animal welfare.”