PRIVATE firework displays in Southend should be limited to one-hour window as part of a “rocket o’clock” trial to stop dogs being terrified by the constant sound of explosions, a councillor says.

Lydia Hyde, Labour councillor for Southend’s St Laurence ward, has called for a debate on fireworks to protect animals during fireworks season and limit disruption for residents.

As part of a debate at full council on Thursday, Ms Hyde is calling on the council to “trial a rocket o’clock scheme, to encourage residents to undertake private firework displays within a set hour during firework season”.

This comes after its success in Chelmsford, where residents are asked to stick to a certain time when setting off fireworks to limit the amount of loud bangs and bright flashes.

It is in a bid to help keep pet anxiety to a low and help people who suffer with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Ms Hyde said: “It is a scheme that encourages people to do the responsible thing, on days such as fireworks night and new years, where rather than people setting fireworks off all at different times, you have a set hour called rocket o’clock, where you set them off within that hour.

“It means people within the community who are sensitive to noises can prepare. People’s pets, which usually are frightened by fireworks, know it will be within that hour, and not random. So, they can put measures in place.

“As I think it is really frustrating for pet owners, when they are going off constantly for hours on end, and pets are distressed for long periods, rather than one set hour where the period is shortened. And people who like fireworks,can still have their private displays. It is all about finding a balance.”

Ms Hyde also suggested the council look at an outright ban on giving live animals as prizes on Southend Council land.

This is something the RSPCA has also been campaign for to put a ban on pets as prizes. Since 2021, almost 50 authorities across England and Wales have introduced the ban.

She said: “Nationally, this is still allowed. However, some councils have banned it and I would like Southend Council to join the list.

“It would mean when we have fairs, and people using our parks, they are not giving any pets or animals away. A goldfish is a common one given away as prizes. But with a good owner it can live for years, but sadly some don’t even last a few weeks.”