Attn: <MP Name>
<MP Location>

<Date>

<Your address>

<Your email address>

<Your telephone number>

Dear <MP Name>,

I am writing to you with regard to the extremely distressing subject of random fireworks.

When I was growing up in the 1980s, fireworks were only let off on Bonfire Night and the nearest Saturday to it. Nowadays, we have fireworks also for New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year. However, backyard fireworks are regularly let off by people from early October through to January, and I can personally vouch that in my local area this happens almost every single evening during those periods (and sometimes during the day as well).

From my own point of view, this causes immense anxiety and stress for my pets, which is distressing to observe, and sometimes in the past they have bolted and disappeared for a few days. I can contain this to some extent if I am prepared for the possibility of fireworks, and make special arrangements to bring them inside before dusk, but even in the house with the TV turned up they are still absolutely petrified and jump out of their skin and hide wherever they can. From a practical perspective, this is also a huge inconvenience and hassle to my work and home routines.

From a wider point of view, in this current climate of fear of terrorist attacks, I cannot believe that non-qualified members of the public are allowed to purchase and use unlimited amounts of explosive weapons. While it may be fun for their small party in their backyard, this is at the expense of many many more people and animals in the surrounding area who do not have the luxury of being able to anticipate a loud bang and for a moment have to stop to consider if this is some kind of terrorist attack, gunshot or other catastrophe. Imagine how traumatic this must be for military veterans and other sufferers of PTSD and anxiety.

You only have to look at the Streetlife community website to see the vast numbers of people complaining about too many fireworks – and often it is simply people who are completely fed up of the disruption and just want to get some sleep before they get up to work in the morning.

Previously you have said that you believe that it is difficult to place further restrictions on the use of fireworks, as we are under-policed as it is. I understand this argument, as it is already difficult to get the police out for worse crimes, but I would really like you to consider what other options there may be in order to deal with this ever-escalating national nuisance. I look forward to hearing from you with regard to this.

Yours sincerely,

<Your Name>