MPs asked to support firework ban after yobs turn area into a 'war zone' on bonfire night

A councillor who described bonfire night in his ward as a 'war zone' has written to Tameside's three MPs calling for a ban on the private sale of fireworks.

Cllr Kaleel Khan, who represents Ashton St Peters, was shocked by the carnage on November 5 and the days leading up to it.

The day after Bonfire Night, Cllr Khan and his team of volunteers walked the streets to assess the litter the fireworks had left. 

He described the scene they found as “shocking”, with the team collecting more than 200 spent fireworks on the streets.

Many of them were tied together “to create a dangerously powerful display”.

The independent councillor also shared some shocking footage of fireworks on his social media, including a video showing large fireworks being launched across the street.

He captioned it: “Are we living in a war zone? This is happening right now. My constituents are terrified. What are authorities going to be doing about this after weeks of reporting my concerns with little action.”

Cllr Khan revealed he had expressed his concerns about fireworks earlier, but it was left unheard.

He said: “I have been raising these concerns with authorities since September, warning them that this situation was a ticking time bomb and that real preventative action was urgently needed. 

“Despite my efforts to engage the relevant parties, the response has been frustratingly inadequate.”

Now he has contacted MPs Angela Rayner, Andrew Gwynne and Jonathan Reynolds calling for an outright ban on shops selling fireworks.

in his letter, he cited a rise in anti social behaviour and the role of organised crime in the ale of illegal fireworks.

He said: "This situation has grown beyond a seasonal issue, becoming an ongoing crisis affecting the safety, well-being, and peace of mind of our constituents."

On Bonfire Night alone, fire crews attended 270 fire-related incidents.

Cllr Khan added: "For many, fireworks are no longer a source of celebration; they have become instruments of disruption, causing noise disturbances, property damage, and, in some cases, physical harm.

"These disturbances have transformed neighbourhoods, creating an environment of fear and distress that impacts children, the elderly, and pet owners alike.

"Constituents have shared stories of how this crisis impacts their daily lives.

"Parents report children unable to sleep due to sudden, frightening explosions. Elderly residents feel trapped and vulnerable, constantly on edge, while pet owners watch their animals suffer from stress and injuries due to the noise. Even local wildlife faces risks from unexpected fireworks detonating near their habitats, affecting our local ecosystems.

"Enough is enough. Our communities deserve to live in peace, without the constant threat of fear, danger, and disorder caused by unchecked firework misuse. We call on you to join us in advocating for the legislative, regulatory, and enforcement changes needed to protect Tameside and restore safety and community well-being."

Cllr Khan also revealed a 17-year-old boy, walking home from work near the Millennium Green area, was deliberately targeted and struck by fireworks.

He is now in Wythenshawe Hospital with significant burns.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Ashton MP Angela Rayner has written to residents in Burlington House, Ashton, who were tormented by anti-social behaviour on Guy Fawkes' night.

Ms Rayner's office had received calls and emails from residents living in the property owned by Jigsaw Homes

She said: "I know this is a problem that has occurred in this area previously and it is something that I work hard to tackle every year."

She told residents she had contacted Jigsaw and the police about the incidents.