DARLINGTON’S council is set to be urged to take steps to limit impact of fireworks on people with autism, war veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder and animals.

In a notice of motion to a meeting of the full authority on Thursday, Councillors Sajna Ali and Nick Wallis are calling on the council’s 47 other elected members to back launching an awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on vulnerable people and animals.

The motion also urges the council to enshrine a requirement that all public firework displays in the borough to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

While the councillors said they recognised the popularity of fireworks, they have called on the council to lobby the government to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90 decibels for private displays.

Cllr Ali said while traditionally fireworks had been reserved for Bonfire Night and a few other events, recent years had seen fireworks become popular for a wide variety of occasions, such as cultural events, prom nights, birthdays and weddings.

She said: “It is a huge part of British culture, but some people, such as those who have come from warn-torn countries or have served in the military, start to feel anxious at certain times of the year. We are looking to do this for everybody’s wellbeing.

“If there is advanced notice of fireworks people who suffer can put precautions and measures in place.”

Cllr Ali said fireworks are set off throughout the year, often just for the purpose of causing a nuisance, and are even thrown at emergency service personnel on occasion. She said lower noise or event silent fireworks are an alternative for those looking to celebrate, whilst also considering vulnerable members of their local community.

She said hi-tech alternatives to fireworks, such as drone displays or lasers, could be an even more spectacular way to mark special events.

Cllr Wallis said fireworks had become more prevalent and louder, adding: “There is a whole range of people who really suffer when fireworks are let off in this way. We really need a rethink.”

The authority already asks those using fireworks in the borough to follow rules such as “avoid buying really noisy fireworks” as well as highlighting the law.

The motion to the council follows a campaign by the RSPCA, which also calls for people holding celebrations to consider alternatives to fireworks. The campaign follows numerous local authorities backing moves to stop Chinese lanterns and helium balloons being released at celebrations amid fears for their impact on animals.

The Darlington council debate comes as a number of other local authorities have voted to discontinue the use of loud fireworks at their events.