A three-person committee will report back to Tynwald on the issue of fireworks after members voted to look at the issue following a public petition.

The motion to create the committee was the last motion tabled in last week’s Tynwald by David Cretney MLC who retires at the end of this week.

Formerly the MHK for South Douglas, Mr Cretney asked for the committee to look at the provisions of the 2004 Fireworks Act and to note the petition of Judith Corrin, of Foxdale.

Mrs Corrin, along with several hundred signatories, has called for a ban on fireworks to the general public and to restrict displays in rural areas to silent fireworks.

In her petition, she said: ’The irresponsible discharge of fireworks in October and November 2019 prompted many people on social media to call for the sale of fireworks to the general public to be banned. With several well organised displays around the island there is no need for individual firework parties.

’Horses and donkeys were left terrified after a private fireworks display very close to the property of the principal petitioner.’

She added: ’Many other people and pets were badly affected including people with PTSD, autism and other sensory conditions, as well as equines, livestock and wildlife.’

Mr Cretney told Tynwald: ’I have never said fireworks should be banned’.

But he added that he does favour a review of the 2004 Act to determine if the law requires changing.

Seconder Kate Costain MHK (Lib Vannin, Douglas South) said: ’We are a country of animal lovers so why would we not look at something that would benefit them without inconveniencing anybody else?’

Dr Alex Allinson MHK (Ramsey) asked if the committee could look at the impact of fireworks on the emergency services and recommended quiet or silent fireworks becoming the norm as many modern displays are done to music.

Kate Lord-Brennan MLC added: ’It will be helpful to appraise how the legislation previously passed is working.’

Only two members voted against the motion Chris Robertshaw MHK (Douglas East) and Speaker Juan Watterson.

The three people elected to the committee are Kate Lord-Brennan MLC, and MHKs Daphne Caine and Rob Callister.