Fireworks set off in park spark anger among Grangetown residents

The Marl is littered with shells as loud bangs are heard night after night, scaring pets

GRANGETOWN residents are angry about the number of fireworks being set off in a local park night after night and “at all times of the day”.

The Cardiffian found that The Marl in South Grangetown was littered with firework remains, including “the Gattling 888” – a firework capable of firing 300 shots.

“They don’t want to hear quiet fireworks, they want to hear the big bangs, the bright lights,” said Clive Jones, a resident who lives near the park.

He said gangs of teenagers have been letting off fireworks most nights and the loud noises made his border collie, Charlie, anxious due to his old age.

“It’s awful because once you walk with a dog, you’re praying that you can do a half-hour, 40-minute walk, and hear no fireworks. Every time he hears a firework, he just wants to go home.

“It’s a nice area, and when you hear the anti-social behaviour going on, you’re thinking, why? There’s no need,” Mr Jones added.

Another resident, Ashleigh Foskett, described hearing fireworks as early as midday. “When it’s light out, it’s obviously unnecessary because you can’t even see them,” she said.

Under UK law, fireworks are only allowed from 7am to 11pm, except on special occasions such as Bonfire Night and Diwali. Children under 16 are only allowed to use “throwdown fireworks”, such as firecrackers and bangers.

Police in Grangetown and Butetown were given extra powers last Halloween to tackle anti-social behaviour and illegal firework use – a move that has not been repeated this year.

Superintendent Naomi Drew, South Wales Police’s force lead for Anti-Social Behaviour, said that parents and guardians should have “frank conversations with young people” and “ensure they are acting in a safe and respectful manner”.

“We are committed to keeping the public, our officers and emergency service colleagues safe, and specialist resources and partners will support us throughout the Halloween and Bonfire festivities,” she said.

Some of the burned-out fireworks found in The Marl, Grangetown. Credit: Jack Davies

The Halloween period, code-named Operation Bang, is particularly busy for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service as firefighters act on reports of illegal fireworks and fires that have been deliberately started.

They face a surge of threats and abuse during this period, receiving 18% of the annual total in a matter of weeks.

Grangetown’s Labour councillors said they have asked for proactive checks on illegal sales, more police patrols, and extra street-based youth work over the period.

“We know how distressing antisocial firework use can be for residents and pets, especially at this time of year,” said councillors Ash Lister, Lynda Thorne and Waheeda Abdul-Sattar.

“Please do report any concerns to ourselves, the police or the council directly – we want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly and considerately.”