A NEW clampdown on the misuse of fireworks is underway across Leeds.

Additional powers to deal with the problem across the area - including in Aireborough and parts of Wharfedale - have come into force as Bonfire Night draws nearer.

As part of an injunction order secured at Leeds County Court, Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police will be able to take action against any individual or group that is found to be using fireworks in an anti-social or threatening manner.

The injunction - which will be in place for an initial period of up to November 30, 2020 - also means that those who do not obey the rules could be held in contempt of court and face being arrested, imprisoned, fined or having their assets seized.

Leeds City Council’s executive member for Communities, Councillor Debra Coupar, said: “We will not tolerate any form of anti-social behaviour in our communities, which is why we took the decision with our partners at West Yorkshire Police to seek additional powers through the courts to help us tackle the deliberate and dangerous misuse of fireworks.

“I am delighted to say that the injunction has been granted and, in doing so, will not only provide us with additional tools to stop this type of reckless behaviour but also with the powers to take quick and positive action against those involved.”

West Yorkshire Police strategic partnership lead for Safer Leeds, Superintendent Jackie Marsh, added: “The dangerous use of fireworks and associated anti-social behaviour continues to impact on the lives of people in communities across Leeds around the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, despite our ongoing partnership work to tackle the issue.

“Those responsible not only risk causing injury to others, as well as themselves, but they create an atmosphere on the streets where people can feel unsafe.

“This is completely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated and this new Leeds-wide injunction will give us much-needed additional powers to intervene at an early stage and prevent incidents before they occur.

“We will be making full use of the injunction as part of our efforts to tackle the issue with the aim of making long-term improvements for residents. We hope it will also send a very clear deterrent message to those who think it is acceptable to behave like this.”

As well as covering the anti-social use of fireworks the injunction also means it is forbidden to verbally abuse, threaten or obstruct any emergency worker who is dealing with a firework-related incident.

Anti-social uses include directing a firework towards a person, an animal, a vehicle or a building.

Using fireworks which cause nuisance or annoyance to a resident.is also prohibited under the rules.