PEOPLE celebrating Bonfire Night should consider vulnerable neighbours and pets before setting off loud fireworks.

Swindon Borough Council issued safety advice ahead of Friday night's festivities and urged us to be considerate and responsible.

After Bonfire Night last year, councillors voted unanimously to support a motion to back an RSPCA campaign which recognises the fear and distress fireworks can cause many animals.

The motion resolved to require all public firework displays within the borough to be advertised in advance of the event, which allows people living nearby to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

The council is contacting all licensed premises encouraging them to purchase quieter fireworks in future.

Coun Cathy Martyn wrote to the minister with responsibility for fireworks at the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy earlier this year to urge the government to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks.

Coun Martyn said: “We want people to have a great time celebrating Bonfire Night, but for some people this time of year is not enjoyable as it can be frightening and confusing for the vulnerable in our community.

“People suffering from PTSD, the elderly and children with autism can be left scared by the loud bangs and bright lights caused by fireworks so it is important we all show consideration for those who are negatively affected.

“We also know that animals can suffer extreme stress and anxiety at this time of year. There are lots of things you can do to minimise the impact on others such as buying quieter and silent fireworks or simply by telling your neighbours you plan to set off fireworks in your garden.”

Only buy fireworks from licensed sellers in-store and online, avoid unknown retailers from social media sites and under-18s should not buy any.

Let fireworks off on traditional dates so that pet owners can better plan precautions to keep their animals calm. The firework curfew is midnight on Bonfire Night, 1am on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, and 11pm on the rest of the year.

Before letting off fireworks, people should read all the safety instructions on the box. If the instructions and warnings are not clear, do not use the firework. Once any debris has cooled down, tidy it up and soak it in water overnight, then put it in a rubbish bag and in the bin.

Category F1, F2 and F3 fireworks are on sale to the public. A consumer firework will fall into either category F2 or F3 - check the label - depending on how much of a safety distance it requires. Check there is enough space to safely use a firework before buying it.

Anyone planning to let off any fireworks should let neighbours know in advance so they can plan for pets that might be affected.

If living close to horses, let their owners know well in advance that fireworks will be let off. Put the fireworks well away from them and aim them in the opposite direction. It is important to be considerate to horse owners because they cannot easily move horses away from fireworks.

Notify nearby farms and stables if planning to use fireworks. Do not let them off if they will disturb wildlife habitats or roosting bats and birds.

On nights where fireworks are being let off, keep dogs and cats inside with somewhere to hide and give small outdoor pets extra bedding and nesting material to burrow in.

Always follow the Firework Code - search ‘fireworks’ on gov.uk for more advice.