News

Councillor’s call to make fireworks less frightening to pets

Published

3 years ago

February 16, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

SENIOR members of Pembrokeshire County Council have supported a call to make fireworks less frightening to animals.

The council’s Cabinet, meeting on February 13, considered a notice of motion from county councillor Alistair Cameron.

Cllr Cameron’s notice read: “Council resolves to write to the Welsh Government urging them to follow the Scottish Government’s lead in introducing tighter regulations and consideration of others over the use of fireworks.”

His notice urged the Welsh Government to discuss with the RSPCA and other stakeholders four measures.

A limit on the sale of fireworks for Bonfire Night from October 29 to November 5, and a limit on the days they can be let off.

Enabling councils to introduce firework control zones to provide better protection to vulnerable people and animals.

Investigate introducing a licensing system for the purchase and sale of fireworks by and to members of the public in order to place a sensible limit on access to fireworks.

Reduce the maximum permitted noise level of fireworks for public sale from 120dB to 90dB.

A supporting statement by Cllr Cameron read: “The Scottish Government has gone beyond the UK-wide firework regulations and introduced additional measures to restrict the amount of fireworks which can be sold to the public and limit the times when they can be used. This is intended to improve public safety and alleviate animal distress.
“The RSPCA is not calling for an outright ban, simply tighter regulations and consideration of others.”

Cabinet members, meeting on February 13, heard that, in order to implement the terms of the notice there would need to be a change to the existing legislative framework.

However, it was recommended Cabinet support the notice to improve controls on the promotion and management of public firework displays and agree to lobby Welsh and UK governments for stronger regulation of fireworks.

At the February 13 meeting, Cllr Alistair Cameron said: “Anybody who has a pet dog knows how sensitive they are to loud noises; the notice doesn’t seek to ban fireworks but just brings in stronger controls.”

He conceded that the Senedd did not currently have the powers to legislate on the matter.

Councillor Michelle Bateman said: “It’s hard to disagree with any of the points,” adding: “I support the notice of motion within the boundaries of what we are able to do.”

Cllr Cameron’s notice of motion – with the amendments – was unanimously supported.

Entertainment

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN

A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.

The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.

The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.

The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.

The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.

Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.

“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.

“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”

The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.

Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.

Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.

November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.

The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.

Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.

Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.

“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”

Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.

Climate

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair