Coulter urges Parental Action on Fireworks
Rev Dr Robert Coulter, the Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member for North Antrim and UUP Stormont Commissioner, has called on parents throughout the constituency to show responsibility with their children regarding fireworks and bonfires in the run-up to, and during the Hallowe’en holidays.
The UUP Health Spokesman added: “Whilst many people enjoy properly supervised fireworks displays and bonfires during the Hallowe’en season, each year in our Province we learn of horrific stories where such incidents have gone badly wrong.
“Fireworks, especially, are potential lethal weapons and can kill or maim if not handled sensibly. I would, therefore, ask parents throughout the constituency to be responsible and supervise their children at all times when fireworks are being used.
“I would also urge parents to help stamp out the Banger Menace, where young people let off very loud banger fireworks. This can be exceptionally dangerous anti-social behaviour, as well as become a tiresome nusiance to many neighbours.
“It can put a terrible strain on the nerves of people, particularly the elderly, as well as scaring pets, to have these loud bangs continously going off, often into the early hours.
“I would urge the community to give the police whatever assistance they can to stamp out this banger scourge.
“I especially commend the police and emergency services for their sound advice already to people using fireworks or bonfires.
“And I would also encourage the community to equally give their full support to the police and emergency services at this potentially dangerous time of year,” said Assemblyman Dr Coulter.