THE MP for Inverclyde today hailed a 'major victory' for constituents as tough new rules on fireworks are introduced after a four year fight.

The SNP's Ronnie Cowan says new Scottish Government legislation to tackle anti-social behaviour associated with them reflects the concerns raised by members of the public here, with some residents saying they have felt 'under siege'.

Mr Cowan believes the new law will greatly reduce the risk of 'serious injury or distress' and also come as a relief to pet owners.

He has been campaigning on the issue since 2019 and is pleased to see penalties, including fines of up to £5,000 and the possibility of jail terms in extreme cases, introduced.

The new laws will give the council power to create Firework Control Zones which will make it an offence to light a firework or knowingly throw a firework in a zone, which can include residential areas, private properties or gardens.

The ultimate punishment for serious offenders will be a jail sentence of up to six months.

The Inverclyde MP has previously held talks with the Dogs Trust and has also raised serious concerns over the local authority's licensing of "pop-up" fireworks shops at certain times of the year.

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He has previously called on the UK Government to ban high street sales of fireworks.

Mr Cowan said: "This is a major victory for my constituents who have repeatedly told me of the dangers and anxiety fireworks misuse has caused them.

"Clearly there is a real danger of serious injury through criminal and reckless misuse, as well as significant distress caused to members of the public.

"Some have told me that they have felt under siege at certain times of the year such as Bonfire Night or New Year.

"Many constituents have said they felt unable to take their dog for a walk.

"I have to praise the Scottish Government for taking action on this.

"I've had repeated correspondence with the Scottish Government and now it has rightly responded to public concerns.

"Dangerous behaviour, when you consider fireworks being thrown, or ignited without warning, is completely unacceptable."

Mr Cowan says the council must make full use of the powers handed to it through the new law.

He said: "Now Inverclyde Council will be able to respond to the concerns raised by my constituents through designating Firework Control Zones.

"It gives power to communities to end this menace and the police and the courts will have proper powers to deter or deal with hardline offenders.

"There are lots of concerns around the sale and licensing of fireworks as well and I am very concerned over pop-up shops which seem to appear on a yearly basis.

"But this new legislation, as well as improving safety and the quality of life for my constituents, will also help address the whole culture around fireworks.

"Fireworks are fine in the right controlled circumstances, such as an organised display.

"But the uncontrolled use of them should have no place around the unsuspecting public, particularly children, in residential areas."

The MP said he wanted to thank the many constituents who had made their views known to him, and the Scottish Government for listening to his campaign.

He said: "This shows what can be done when a government responds to community concerns. I hope the Westminster government takes note and u-turns on its present policy."