Clackmannanshire Council Online

Firework Control Zones - community requests

Firework Control Zones - community requests

The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 gives local authorities the discretionary power to designate Firework Control Zones (FCZs) in areas where restricting the use of fireworks is deemed necessary.

This page explains how a community group can request the establishment of a firework control zone.

Current status in Clackmannanshire

At present no firework control zones have been established within Clackmannanshire based on current information regarding firework usage.

What happens in a firework control zone?

If an area is designated as a FCZ, members of the public aren't allowed to use fireworks, including on private property such as a garden.

Exemptions include

• Category F1 fireworks, for example sparklers
• Organised public displays, subject to local licensing and permissions

How to make a community request

If your community is experiencing issues related to fireworks, a request can be submitted by a community group for an area to be considered for designation as a firework control zone.

Requests from individuals will not be considered. 

To submit a request

• Email: safetyadvisorygroup@clacks.gov.uk
  • Your email should include
    • a clearly defined boundary of the area to be considered, for example a residential estate. Entire towns will not be considered.
    • reasons for the request, supported by relevant examples or evidence.

Requests should also be supported by specific concerns, which may include

• misuse of fireworks, for example anti-social behaviour, attacks on individuals or emergency workers, noise disturbance
• injuries caused by fireworks, for example frequency and severity
• animal welfare concerns, for example stress, injuries, impact on livestock
• impact on vulnerable individuals, for example people with autism, PTSD, assistance dog users
• environmental concerns, for example air pollution, litter from spent fireworks, effects on nearby nature reserves

What happens after a request?

Once a request is received, the Clackmannanshire Safety Advisory Group will review it and consult with partners, including

• Police Scotland
• Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
• Other relevant agencies

If the request is taken forward, the process will require a wider consultation with the public in line with the legislation.

If the request is not taken forward the Safety Advisory Group may propose other courses of action to help address the concerns.

Other courses of action include

• Community engagement and awareness
• Targeted use of Police, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Council community safety officers
• Retailer compliance checks
• Engagement with young people, for example via schools, youth clubs