A BAN on fireworks has been imposed at Castle Hill.
And extra police patrols will be brought in to stop “firework parties”, which can damage the historic hill and cause distress and injury to wildlife.
Those flouting the ban will be handed instant £80 fines.
The move has been made by Kirklees Council, which denies it is being a killjoy, but is concerned at growing numbers of people using the hill to let off fireworks – many of them big commercial ones.
And it is a criminal offence – setting off fireworks in public places – which contravenes section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875.
The act prohibits throwing or setting off fireworks on any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place. A public place is anywhere to which the public is entitled or permitted access.
A council spokesman said: “Fireworks are becoming increasingly popular all year round with thousands of people using them to celebrate all sorts of occasions.
“While most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands and in the wrong place they can cause damage and real misery.
“As bonfire night approaches the problems associated with misuse become all the more apparent particularly for Huddersfield’s landmark Castle Hill.
“The stunning setting and visibility of Castle Hill make it a popular venue to let off fireworks. Indeed it is a venue that has been used in the past for civic firework celebrations, most recently to mark the 50th anniversary of twinning between Huddersfield and Besancon in France.
“But such occasions are licensed events, run by professional companies, with safety precautions and with necessary approvals from English Heritage.
“Most importantly the local community is informed and forewarned.
“The increasing number of ‘ad hoc’ celebrations, using large display fireworks, are neither authorised nor safe. While apparently just a bit of fun, they are in fact irresponsible, cause serious nuisance and are potentially damaging.
“The fireworks let off at night prevent sleep and cause distress, scaring people and pets. They also have the potential to damage this scheduled ancient monument and important historical site.”
Castle Hill Ranger Julian Brown added: “Many of the offenders can’t even be bothered to remove the remains of their fireworks littering the summit of Castle Hill.
“Last year I and my colleagues removed 80 sacks of used fireworks, including 20 on one night.
“It’s not just the inconvenience to local residents, the damage, the safety issues and cleaning the site, I also have concerns about the wildlife that we are working to attract and protect.
“The bangs can frighten animals and birds literally to death.
“If the noise doesn’t kill them then birds and mammals can easily become disorientated and suffer in other ways.”
