Forum Topic

Five nights of firework noise to celebrate Diwali?

Being a right old moaning codger, it was a concern to me last night(Saturday) having to listen to firework bangs until 2am and later..from Southall and Heston whilst I was endeavouring to get on with some quiet thinking and writing work.Heaven knows what the local birds,cats dogs and children and parents thinkI decided to delete my intented message late last night..but now at 7pm Sunday..the noise has started again.  These are rarely bright lights in the sky..but noisy bangs like rifle fire and explosions....and going on after 11pm and midnight is a joke.  Who are the environmental enforcers? My peace is being disturbed.In Australia..a lady friend told me today..such noisy activities are not allowed..except at community events.So why here?  One night till 10pm fine. But 5 days till the wee small hours? Ugh!

Jim Lawes ● 6852d69 Comments

Although the fireworks seem to be over for a while I thought people may be interested to know that Hounslow Council has an after hours noise pollution team who can be contacted to deal with noise pollution being experienced during unsociable hours.This service is available on:Friday night from 10pm  to 4amSaturday night from 10pm to 4amIf you have a problem during those hours call 020 8583 2222.

Steve Taylor ● 6466d

Just wishing everyone a Happy Diwali! It's amazing how quickly the year has gone by!

James de Vivenot ● 6469d

Jim say what you like when you like it is called "free speech" is it not ?PS keep up the great photographs!!!!!

Helen Fogarth ● 6834d

Wouldn't worry about it if I were you Jim.I have learned that people will put whatever angle(spin)they want on what you say in order to suit their own ends and make themselves out to be some sort of squeaky clean moral crusader.Those who break the law and are anti social are the ones people should be having a go at,not people who highlight the fact that the law is being ignored on the grounds that it does not meet their cultural needs or their idea of what is acceptable.

Keith Iddon ● 6834d

I will be replying to John's meesage when he used the word "bigot" which I took rather personally..and I'm still waiting for my detailed draft reply to be returned by the censorship committee!JL a bigot?  So that's what's readers think between the lines when I write on certain subjects!So,I haven't run away from the thread...quite yet!PS: By the time Guy Fawkes arrived..like others no doubt, I had become bored with the sound of fireworks. You?

Jim Lawes ● 6836d

Pleasantly surprise how well relatively early the fireworks finished last night near where I live.There have been some on this thread who have tried to justify anti social law breaking using various excuses(one particularly small minded and ludicrous).Surely we can all have a good time,respect others by not being anti social and try to live peaceably side by side.

Keith Iddon ● 6837d

Vanessa is spot on. Let people celebrate as and when they choose as long as they don't let off fireworks in the early hours. I think we need to distinguish between people having a good time and anti-social behaviour.

Dan Evans ● 6837d

Thanks John.

Neil Chippendale ● 6838d

It has, after all, been said of Guy Fawkes that he was the only man ever to have entered the House of Commons with honourable intentions.............

John Coxall ● 6838d

Well said Venessa to the point.

Helen Fogarth ● 6838d

I hardly think a couple of thousand poundsworth of fireworks would make that much difference to any leisure facilities, and neither do I understand like others why everything that's done has to be under the banner of "inclusive". Guy Fawkes celebrations are peculiarly English, I can see the sense of linking celebrating that with Diwali as this is the celebration of the Festival of Light and involves fireworks as part of the celebrations, but this constant 'one size fits all' agenda is to my mind everyone jumping on the I'm more P.C. than you bandwagon, why not just invite everyone to the various different traditional celebrations of various cultures as they should be celebrated surely then you do get a real insight rather than this bland pick and mix everyone seems hell bent on promoting.

Vanessa Smith ● 6838d

Neil, there was trouble in and around Lampton Park following the May Day Festival several years ago. That is why that event has been scrapped. I am unaware of any trouble at Diwali or Guy Fawkes fireworks displays in recent years.

John Connelly ● 6839d

JohnI don't know of recent years but I do remember trouble occuring outside of Lampton Park, caused by gangs of youths who left the park and went looking for trouble.Do agree though it should not have been cancelled.

Neil Chippendale ● 6839d

What sort of tosh are you spouting on about "a predominantly white event in Kempton Park" what about the event in Tower Hamlets not very white is it? Kempton Park is open to all race colour and creed it is up to the individual concerned to choose to go or not. As I am sure there are more whites in the Kempton area this might make it seem a white thing! As there are more coloured people in Hounslow does this make it a black event if held in Lampton Park? Get off your high horse and fly the flag of St George before it is taken away from us forever!!!!

Helen Fogarth ● 6839d

"Fireworks should be banned until used at a controlled community display" - Jim Lawes 23/10/06"Huge crowds.......standing in darkness in Lampton Park....in this day and age(?)" - Jim Lawes 3/11/06Contradictory ramblings or the views of a bigot who believes a predominantly white event in Kempton Park is OK but one attended by a large number of "incomers" (Jim's euphemism) should be cancelled? I have lived in Hounslow for nearly 30 years and am unaware of any major incident occurring at a fireworks display at Lampton Park. I am not cynical enough to suggest that the cancellation of this year's event is a Tory policy designed to increase sales of fireworks for private parties. However, if Jim is consistent to his later comments then he must accept that, in the absence of any publicly organised events in Hounslow, residents have no option but to hold their own parties. Phil, surely the ICG is also concerned that a major community event that costs a relatively small amount (compared, for example, with the huge subsidy for HM Magazine) has been cancelled for the first time in decades?

John Connelly ● 6840d

Phil,Would be happy to meet with you to discuss this further. Don't really want to post my telephone numbers on this, or anyother site! You have my e-mail address.Lets see how we can move forward.Chris

Christopher Boucher ● 6840d

Would be happy to.  As you know Community Safety is a part of my portfolio, and I would value your input.

Phil Andrews ● 6840d

Phil, as you know I am all in favour of community cohesion, being a member of a minority group myself.Maybe we should talk about this and see where we can go in terms of inclusion and involvement.

Christopher Boucher ● 6840d

ChrisA sound idea in principle.  Maybe a good starting point would be to seek some feedback from the various communities concerned?

Phil Andrews ● 6840d

Hi Jim, you obviously have not read my first post on this subject, maybe you should. I am well aware of the "scallywags" which is why I am in favour of organised events, rather than the free for all letting off of fireworks which we are all experiencing at the moment.In answer to your question, I live on the Ivybridge Estate.

Christopher Boucher ● 6840d

In the interests of community cohesion, would it not be a good idea to bring together all faiths and communities to a celebration of our Bouroughs diversity? Thus Guy Fawkes Night, Eid and Diwali could be an example of how this, or any other administration, are attempting to bring communities together, not an easy task I know, but surely something which we should all be trying to achieve.

Christopher Boucher ● 6840d

ChristopherWhat planet are you on?Huge crowds...standing in darkness in Lampton Park...in this day and age!  Sadly life is being spoilt for us all by a limited number of scallywags who still roam our Borough.I love organise firework displays..and I will be going along to the Kempton Park one ..organised by the local Round Tables. Ravenscourt park comes to mind as well..and also the Park Club in Acton.Years ago the Hounslow Round Table used to organise a big Guy Fawkes event at Greenham Fields in Isleworth..but those were the days when night time was a relatively save time to venture out. (no mobile phones or Sav Navs or technology..or  possibly even credit cards in circulation ..or in your pocket.So: Councillor Adrian Lee is perhaps showing common sense and he should be applauded and not denounced. He might be saving lives!!

Jim Lawes ● 6840d

"I would expect that most of the Boroughs residents would take the choice of better leisure facilities all year round due to the savings made this year rather then see thousands of pounds of their cash go up in smoke within a couple of hours."I would definitely agree with that! I like firework displays, but they are a luxury I would happily forgo if more important services are protected.

John Coxall ● 6840d

JimAlthough I'm facing a desperate campaign of orchestrated opposition at the moment by those with a personal and/or political interest in resisting change, I can promise you that it will also bring greatly improved resident and tenant participation in local community affairs.

Phil Andrews ● 6840d

""What will the next four years bring?""Hopefully, a crackdown on the wasteful use of public funds.In the case of Lampton Park..there was possibly a concern about petty crime, or disturbances.  For security reasons I would never enter that park. Things are different these days..very sadly!!

Jim Lawes ● 6840d

I would expect that most of the Boroughs residents would take the choice of better leisure facilities all year round due to the savings made this year rather then see thousands of pounds of their cash go up in smoke within a couple of hours.

Paul Fisher ● 6840d

Spot on John, an administration which can't, or won't make a decision on the new Heston Leisure centre,refuses to accept the mini-moto problem and then cannot fund an inclusive firework event in Lampton Park speaks for itself. What will the next four years bring?

Christopher Boucher ● 6840d

In the initial post it was suggested that fireworks celebrations should be limited to community events. Isn't it sad that Diwali and and Guy Fawkes fireworks in Lampton Park had to be cancelled due to lack of funding to the Council's leisure provider CIP? Explain yourself Scrooge! Sorry, Councillor Adrian Lee!

John Connelly ● 6840d

The Acton W3 website reports that there will be a curfew after midnight on 5th November and the list of financial penaltieslooks severe.Copy and Paste:Diwali 2am fireworks tolerated.  Guy Fawkes Night..No no!http://www.actonw3.com/default.asp?section=info&page=concrime038.htm

Jim Lawes ● 6842d

We never had any capability of private fireworks displays apart from the single offical local authority ones because of the ban in place all due to the IRA trying to kill us all. As a child I can recall thinking how utterly dull the council ones were and we had to watch better ones on TV usually taking place in England.  Not quite the same thing watching them on TV is it?  Some people have forgotten what its like to be a child around here.Even yet more boring was the fact that we didn't have any other ethnic minority community to speak of apart from Hong Kong Chinese. So taking part and enjoying the religious celebrations of others was few and far between unless you count the tribal fireworks in North Belfast as a  celebration. I really wouldn't to inflict single solitary fireworks displays on kids. They are quite simply 'crap' thinking of some of the mayor's efforts here in London.  Banning fireworks won't help either, for the undesireables in society will always get them regardless. They may well also use them in more inappropriate ways if they are to be deployed out of the full glare of neighbours and whole communities.  I feel the noise is less than last year and it seems to have reached a peak.  There are ways forward, I think seeing them for sale in Tesco or the corner shop isn't acceptable.  They really only ought to be sold in a few licensed locations in each borough and taxed to the hilt.  It wouldn't be too hard to control their use more effectively.I've no wish not to see Diwalli happen or Guy Fawkes.  Even though Guy Fawkes means even less to me than all the rest or the celebrations put together.

Conal Stewart ● 6842d

David Blunkett in the Sun today tells us how much better the noise is this year because the police have the powers to crack down

Jean Gilmore ● 6842d

It seems to me that the issue is not about religion, and nor should it be, but that fireworks are widely available. Tesco's are offering their usual "buy one get one free", Wheelhouse in Hounslow are selling huge fireworks at ridiculously low prices,to name but two retailers.I have suffered from the same noise level where I live, but in my humble opinion this is a direct result of the availability of fireworks.When I recently  remonstrated with some such "revellers" (of all creeds and colours)they were not celebrating anything other than the fact that they could and would let off fireworks on a whim.

Christopher Boucher ● 6843d

Well there used to be catherine wheels roman candles sparklers and lots more that didnt make much noise but gave off great deal of colour

Victor Mullins ● 6844d

Indoor fireworks?

Keith Iddon ● 6844d

Indoor fireworks?

Keith Iddon ● 6844d

Is it possible to make a firework without a bang (or loud bang)?My elder son was absolutely petrified of the sound of fireworks - and I mean literally terrified - we found him cowering in the corner of his bedroom one night.

Lynn Clark ● 6844d

Thank you Keith.Peace be with you!

Jim Lawes ● 6845d

Might be end of Ramadan 'celebrations' Jim,though that is no consolation I know.

Keith Iddon ● 6845d

Here we are... evening No9..and the big bangs are with us again here in North Isleworth..on our religious quiet day.Bloody nuisance...and no need whatever the faith.One night yes..most nights no!  They were even letting off fireworks at 4.30am the other morning..whilst I was here working.Rant over..Can you hear them?

Jim Lawes ● 6845d

Was there a firework display at Syon Park last night?Whoever had it at least had the good grace to abide by the law and finish by 12.

Keith Iddon ● 6845d

I plan to go along to this well established Round Table event which raises over £10,000 for Charity.

Jim Lawes ● 6847d

Fran,Try Four O'clock starts the bangs are still going some mornings when I get up and yes I start that time and earlier.

Edward Fitzgerald ● 6847d

Well,actually Fran,I don't like being kept awake when I have to get up early.You might not mind but others do actually...

Keith Iddon ● 6847d

Yes, actually I do work Keith.Actually Keith, 2 days last week I was in work  at 7.00am.

Fran Naughton ● 6847d

Do you have to get up early for work every morning Fran?

Keith Iddon ● 6847d

Crass and patronising indeed Sitvar

Keith Iddon ● 6847d

In New South Wales the public are not allowed to buy fireworks. The only events allowed are ones run by the local Council or community orgainsations. These are heavily regulated.

Neil Chippendale ● 6848d

I don't reply or get 'involved' with topics that get argumentative like this one.  I will make an exception on this one.Why don't you all just leave it alone?  Isn't there more things to worry about that a few nights of bloody fireworks!?  Were you not a child once with the excitement building up to  Guy Fawkes Night?  Did you not ask your parents, "Can we not just a few before the 5th November"  I bet there are some replying on this post who have been on a holiday where they have seen fantastic firework displays over the sea etc. over 2, 3, 4, 5 nights to celebrate a Religious Festival (or just fantastic firework displays put on for the tourists).... Because I know I have!4-5 days out of 365 days a year is nothing!  Let people enjoy.... Maybe if you went and joined in the celebration you might surprise yourselves and find out you enjoyed it.I'm sorry, don't want to offend anyone, but I know though terrible painful personal experiences that life is too short to get so angy about fireworks.... and also through personal experience, the sky light up with beautiful light I find a beautiful sight.Fran

Fran Naughton ● 6848d

'Enjoy your pint of beer with your mates and relax.Satvir Sidhu......' IF the racket after 11pm would allow it!

Lois Westby ● 6848d

Kieth It looks like you have nothing to offer to the society other than use your newly aquired dictionary.Thank you for your commentsSatvir Sidhu

Satvir Sidhu ● 6848d

"I think it is a question of enforcement rather than organisation"Indeed. It is already illegal* to let off fireworks after 11 pm except for the New Year, Chinese New Year and Diwali (1 a.m. in all cases) and 5th November (midnight).  Note that the exceptions apply only to those dates, not a week or so either side of them.  The police are responsible for enforcement.* with some exceptions for council-run events.

Richard Jennings ● 6849d

Satvir, I think it is a question of enforcement rather than organisation.

James de Vivenot ● 6849d

Crass

Keith Iddon ● 6849d

James that will be wonderful if it can be organised.Satvir Sidhu

Satvir Sidhu ● 6849d

Apart from New Year, fireworks shouldn't be set off in the early hours of the morning whether it's Guy Fawkes, Diwali or any other day.

James de Vivenot ● 6849d

Definitely patronising - I love fireworks (and Hallowe'en), but I can't help but agree it all seems to get spread out for weeks, as does the dreaded and fast approaching big 'C'. I just think you can have too much of a good thing, this year Diwali is a lot earlier than Guy Fawkes night so I can understand some fireworks for that celebration - but they don't have to "join up" with Nov. 5th - do they?

Vanessa Smith ● 6849d

Patronising or what?

Keith Iddon ● 6849d

Hi JimLife is too short and precious to waste it in moaning and groaning. If you moan, few more moan and if you laugh then lot more people laugh.I do have two kids and a dog too at home.But I believe in live and let live.If there is a serious issue that effects anyone then make a proper representation to deal with the matter.Diwali or Halloween or Guy Fawkes night are all the same. Large number of kids enjoy it, let them and I am sure you enjoyed the fire works when you were a kid. Future is always brighter what may happen.Enjoy your pint of beer with your mates and relax.Satvir Sidhu

Satvir Sidhu ● 6850d

Well it's much more peaceful late tonight..just a few bangs around 10.30pm.  But around  7.30pm tonight..it was more like rapid gunfire.  Hardly a peaceful celebration for the neighbours elderly neighbours like me!I even know of children who are frightened by firework noise and get no pleasure from the explosions and bangs at all. Sitvir, do you not have consideration for them..let alone the pets and wildlife.Nonetheless Diwali seems to be a friendly festival for those involved..both Sikh and Hindi clans I gather..and I  understood from a Diwali website that the celebration  lasts for 5 days. Thats where the five  days comes from.So, Sitvir, welcome to the Forum..and be assured that I'm only concerned about the noise after midnight..and also that it extended to a second day..unfortunately a SUNDAY...that's my holy peaceful day. Lot's of interesting Diwali websites around no doubt you've seen.                         

Jim Lawes ● 6851d

I too was kept awake until the early hours and if that happens on bonfire night that is also bad news. Why can't some people take simple complains at face value without putting a racist/politically correct angle on it to suit their own ends?Noise on this scale into the early hrs. is out of order whoever commits it and I wish the police(where are they when you need them?)were given powers to intervene.

Keith Iddon ● 6851d

Native Celts?

Keith Iddon ● 6851d

Well put Edward, why don't we have fireworks for St Patricks day, I wonder is it anything to do with our history of making things go bang? Is that racialist as well or can you be a racist against your own people, if so I am leaving the country for the old Home Town.

Helen Fogarth ● 6851d

""Jim is trying to start another row as usual. I live locally too but did not hear fire works going on for 5 days for Diwalli""Yes Jim is complaining!Firework noise at such a late hour as 1am and 2am is unacceptable. It was noisy Saturday night..and ok one night is fine but to continue on a Sunday evening at midnight,and 1am and 2am..is taking the micky!! After I posted my opening message..I ventured over to the Ealing Forum..and found to my relief similar complaints.It's 7.15pm now..on the 3rd day..and some locals are still taking the pickle! Shotgun noises in my ear just this moment. Fireworks should be banned until used at a controlled communal display.

Jim Lawes ● 6851d

"Very funny Edward!!! You could be charged for raising racial tension, which I don't think you thought of."Some people don't seem to have a sense of humour, once again free speech has not yet been stopped in this country even for immigrants like me so lighten up (no I do not mean more fireworks).

Edward Fitzgerald ● 6851d

If it were not for the English with Guy Fawkes, the Hindus and Sikhs with Diwali, and the Muslims with Eid, the native Celts would be able to enjoy peace and quiet and listen out for the pleasant sounds of aircraft overhead. Still, not long till Hogmanay!

John Connelly ● 6851d

Funnily enough, although it was a bit noisy on Saturday (less from fireworks than from our Muslim neighbours having an end-of Ramadan party), one of the things which has struck me this year is the very opposite of Jim's point - how quiet it has been. Since the availability of fireworks has been more restricted, we no longer have the mid-September to Christmas bangs and crashes that we used to have. I certainly much prefer a couple of nights celebration for Diwali, Guy Fawkes etc, than the more or less constant Autumn noise that we have had over the past 15 years or so.

John Coxall ● 6851d

Very funny Edward!!! You could be charged for raising racial tension, which I don't think you thought of.I am not muslim myself but we should hold proper debates about these new burdens on us.Fact of life is what goes around, comes around.This is the price for ruling half of the world.Jim is trying to start another row as usual. I live locally too but did not hear fire works going on for 5 days for Diwalli ??I wonder what your comments will be for Halloween and Guy Folks night, which are around the corner.I do not think you have much to contribute to the society with that kind of an attitude. And you are stressing others unnecessary. May be should go and have a cold shower to sort your self out.

Satvir Sidhu ● 6851d

Jim,We are not allowed to criticise other peoples ways of doing things, Ken Livingston won't like it to start with, buy some ear-plugs Oh and while you are about it buy a veil we shall all have to wear one soon. Or you could move to the Isle of Wight they haven't got gunpowder yet they have only just got electricity!!!

Edward Fitzgerald ● 6852d

Where's William E Hughes when you need his support?

Jim Lawes ● 6852d