Give East Dunbartonshire a choice: Firework Control Zones

I am a mum to my amazing daughter Grace. Grace is autistic, and one of her biggest struggles is loud and unexpected noises.

As parents, we can control a certain amount of what our children are exposed to. We can prepare them, reassure them, make adjustments and create safe spaces at home.

But when fireworks are being set off unexpectedly in residential areas, we cannot control the noise.

For Grace and many other autistic and neurodivergent children and adults, the sudden bangs and explosions can cause genuine fear, panic, distress and sensory overload.

This is why I am asking East Dunbartonshire Council to consider introducing Firework Control Zones.

I am NOT asking for a ban.

I understand that many people enjoy fireworks and want to celebrate with their families.

This petition is not about taking that away.

It is about finding a compromise that allows people to enjoy fireworks while also recognising the needs of people and animals who experience them very differently.

The Scottish Government has already given councils the power to act.

The Scottish Government introduced legislation allowing local authorities to establish Firework Control Zones.

The Scottish Government has also published guidance for councils on how these zones can be considered, including allowing communities to make requests for Firework Control Zones.

The framework is already there.

I am asking East Dunbartonshire Council to listen to its residents and consider using the powers available to it.

Please think about the person on the other side of the bang.

When someone lights a firework, they may experience a few seconds of excitement and enjoyment.

But somewhere nearby, that same firework could be causing a child to panic.

It could be causing an autistic adult to experience sensory overload.

It could be frightening someone who already struggles with anxiety.

It could be terrifying a dog, cat, horse or another animal.

The person setting off the firework may never see the impact it has.

But that doesn't mean the impact isn't real.

When you light a firework, you're not the only person experiencing it.

Grace is one child — but this isn't just about Grace.

There are many autistic and neurodivergent children and adults living across East Dunbartonshire.

There are families who dread fireworks season.

There are parents who spend evenings trying to comfort distressed children. I am one of them.

There are people who cannot simply “get used to” the noise because their sensory systems process it differently.

And there are countless animals who experience extreme fear when fireworks are unexpectedly set off.

We need our community to think about those people and animals too.

What I am asking East Dunbartonshire Council to do:

• Consider introducing Firework Control Zones in suitable areas of East Dunbartonshire.

• Create a clear process for residents and communities to request a Firework Control Zone.

• Consult with autistic people, neurodivergent people, families, disability organisations, schools, community groups and animal welfare organisations.

• Listen to the experiences of local families who are affected by fireworks.

• Raise awareness of the impact fireworks can have on vulnerable people and animals.

• Encourage responsible fireworks use and consideration for neighbours.

This isn't about stopping celebrations.

It's about making our celebrations more considerate.

We can do better.

I want Grace to grow up in a community where people understand that being autistic can mean experiencing things differently.

I want families to know that their concerns are being heard.

I want people to be able to enjoy fireworks without feeling that their celebrations matter more than somebody else's wellbeing.

And I want East Dunbartonshire Council to use the powers available to it to explore a solution that works for our community.

A few seconds of entertainment for one person can mean hours of distress for another.

Please sign this petition and help us ask East Dunbartonshire Council to properly consider Firework Control Zones.

Let's make East Dunbartonshire a community that thinks about everyone.

Because when you light a firework, you're not the only person experiencing it.