Thousands of fireworks will be set off over the next few weeks when communities across the borough celebrate Bonfire Night and Diwali.

Over this period Ealing Council and the police will be extending the service offered by the noise nuisance team to include disruption and inconvenience caused by fireworks.

Residents are being reminded that it is an offence under national legislation to use fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am except on the following days:

• Bonfire Night (Thursday, 5 November) permission is granted until midnight
• Diwali (Wednesday, 11 November) residents will be allowed to light fireworks until 1am
• Exceptions have also been made for Chinese New Year and New Year’s Eve when fireworks can also be set off until 1am.

Anyone disturbed by the noise of fireworks from a specific address outside of the allowed times during Diwali and Bonfire Night can call the council’s noise nuisance team on 020 8825 8111.

A response service is available: Monday to Thursday, 9am - 2am; Friday, 9am - 5am; Saturday, 12noon - 5am; and Sunday, 2 - 11pm. Messages can be left outside of these hours and an officer will respond as soon as possible.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, cabinet member for community services and safety, said: "The next few weeks are a great time for celebration and enjoyment for many residents. We want everyone to have a fun, but safe time, during the festivities and to think about others who might not be celebrating."

"Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and our officers will take action against anyone caught breaking the law. Residents have a role to play too when using fireworks; by sticking to the curfew, being considerate and acting responsibly."

Anyone wishing to report people throwing or setting off fireworks in a public place, or council owned park or open space can call the noise nuisance team on 020 8825 8111. In an emergency please call 999.