THE chairperson of Townhill Community Council has called for fireworks to be fizzled out after likening the village to a war zone on Bonfire Night weekend.

Ronnie Cowan said non-official displays were taking place in Townhill Country Park over the course of last weekend which were a nightmare for nearby residents with pets as well as those who may be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“We are trying to raise awareness for next year to try and get fireworks stopped,” he told the Press. “We think it is ridiculous. It was like a war zone the night before fireworks night.

“What they don’t seem to realise is it is an offence to set them off in public spaces. You must have permission of the landowner – the consequences for setting them off can be jail time. Next year, we want them either banned completely or noiseless fireworks.

“These were commercial things and it was horrendous, to have them up in a public park and blasting them off. Some of the rockets, they had the tubes they put them in right below the electricity pylons.”

In his fight for a more peaceful Guy Fawkes Night next year, Mr Cowan has been in touch with Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville who has pledged to speak to the local authorities and Police Scotland.

“I have also spoken to council officers,” he added. “Dunfermline council has spent 50 grand on fireworks at a time when people have no food and they are cutting budgets but they can spend 50 grand.

“There is also a petition online which we will put on our Facebook.

“One week, they are selling explosives to anyone then the week after that they are asking people to be quiet to remember the Fallen. It is madness and something needs to be done.”

Ms Somerville confirmed she had written to Fife Council and Police Scotland to highlight the concerns.

“The vast majority of people enjoy fireworks responsibly,” she added. “However, on occasion, reckless behaviour with fireworks can cause residents a great deal of distress and alarm, as well as frightening animals.

“When letting off fireworks outwith organised events, it’s essential that consideration is given to the surrounding environment, and who will be affected. Any instances of anti-social behaviour involving fireworks need to be taken extremely seriously.”