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Scottish Greens renew calls for firework ban
Discarded and discarded fireworks in a local park in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh, November 6, 2023

THE Scottish Greens have branded 2024 a year “marred by firework chaos” and have renewed calls for a ban. 

Scottish councils were given powers this year to designate firework control zones in problem areas.

But in Edinburgh — the only city to use the power — there were still 32 arrests on firework-related offences.

Stress caused by the explosions is said to have led to the death of a red panda at the city’s zoo.

Demanding an outright ban on sales after the zone’s “failure,” Green MSP Maggie Chapman said: “We do not allow the unlimited sale of explosive devices in any other situation.

“It’s time we put the safety of communities and animals ahead of profits for supermarkets and online retailers.

“The new year must bring an end to these sales for good and make our communities safer for everyone.”

SNP community safety minister Siobhian Brown said: “I have written to the UK government asking for a meeting to discuss what more can be done on fireworks regulations.”

The Department of Business and Trade said there is already a maximum legal noise level set for fireworks and it launched a safety campaign earlier this year.

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