Pensioners ‘living in fear’ over fireworks

Pensioners ‘living in fear’ over fireworks

30 October 2019

A LOCAL politician fears that someone could lose their life if young people don’t stop “terrorising” elderly residents with fireworks in towns and villages across the district.

Rowallane councillor, Billy Walker, said many senior citizens are “living in fear” and has appealed to the those responsible for targeting their homes to stop.

He fears that an elderly person could “die of fright” and revealed that he is becoming increasingly concerned about the behaviour of young people in his home town of Killyleagh.

Cllr Walker said he has been contacted by many concerned residents, but admits that the fireworks problem is district wide.

“Last week we read about firework attacks on shoppers, a pregnant mother and her two young children in Downpatrick and the homes of the elderly being targeted in Castlewellan. This simply has to stop,” he declared.

“Elderly people are at their wits’ end and pet owners are also concerned about the impact fireworks are having on their animals. Young people also seem oblivious to the fact that a firework is in effect an explosive and that if it ignited in their hand, they could potentially lose a limb.”

The Rowallane politician said he is troubled by the fact that young people are able to purchase fireworks with ease and believes that the authorities must to do more to apprehend illegal sellers.

“I am receiving dozens of complaints from people in my home town of Killyleagh with young people running amok in High Street last week,” he continued. “Rubbish was also set on fire close to a garage in Frederick Street and the owner of car parked perilously close to the blaze was able to move it away just in time.

“People are living in fear and it should not be like this. Parents need to take greater responsibility when it comes to their children’s behaviour.”

Cllr Walker said he also fully supports the RSPCA which believes that the law is “failing” as it does not prevent or sufficiently reduce the risk of fireworks causing distress, injury or anxiety to people and death, injury and distress to animals.

He is also considering tabling a notice of motion at Newry, Mourne and Down Council in a bid to bring the fireworks issue under control ahead of next year’s Halloween celebrations.

“I believe there is a need to promote greater public awareness about the impacts of fireworks on people, especially the vulnerable and those who live along, and animals,” Cllr Walker continued.

“The council is the ideal body to raise and debate the issue and hopefully agree some sort of action plan. I would also be keen for the police to work hard in a bid to track down those who are clearly selling illegal fireworks and putting profit before people’s safety.”

Insisting that he is not being a “killjoy”, Cllr Walker said there are dedicated fireworks displays which people could attend. 

“Halloween celebrations are not about terrorising elderly people in their own homes. Reports that primary school children have been seen in public is also deeply disturbing,” he said.

Cllr Walker echoed calls for parents to do more, know where their children are and warn them of the consequences of potentially ending up with a criminal record.

He added: “Unruly teenagers are being allowed to run amok and cause mayhem, with little being done to bring an end to this despicable behaviour. 

“It is particularly worrying that in the season of Halloween they are displaying a blatant disregard for people’s safety. I wonder how they would feel if someone was targeting the home of their grandparents with fireworks?

“In my book, parents have to accept a major share of responsibility for what’s happening and addressing the anti-social behaviour situation must start in the home. Parents must keep a tighter rein on their children.”

Cllr Walker also appealed to anyone who can help police apprehend the troublemakers to contact them on the non-emergency 101 number or use the confidential Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.