New Year’s fireworks are no cause for celebration

THE New Year celebrations are about to begin with parties, music and the inevitable fireworks bringing in the New Year with a bang! 

But for many, the firecrackers and fireworks are far from a cause to celebrate, rather a major problem. For the thousands of pet owners whose animals are terrified, the high risk of fire, or simply for people who need to sleep, New Year’s fireworks are a nightmare.

Although it isn’t a problem that affects Marbella alone, its council, like many others, have decided to increase surveillance and enforcement of the bylaws concerning noise this year, by clamping down on people ignoring the bylaws on ‘Protection of Public Spaces.’ 

The council’s Sustainability department is acting on numerous complaints from residents and animal charities who stress that fireworks particularly “scare pets and cause great distress.”

The council have stated that ignoring the bylaws can result in a fine, however Councillor Miguel Diaz admitted as it is considered a minor offence many fines have not been issued.

He said: “The new council team has decided to crack down on those who break the rules with the aim of alleviating the harm done to people and animals.” 

and also the fire risk they bring.”

To that end, the councillor announced a campaign has been launched to raise awareness and to assure the rules are followed.