A mum-of-four has hit out at an 'inconsiderate minority' that ruins the Hindu festival of Diwali by tormenting communities with round the clock fireworks.
Meena Hans has started a petition to try and curb the use of fireworks in the Diwali season and now has over 150 signatures.
The adult education tutor aims to get more than 1,000 names on her petition by the next meeting of Hounslow Council on June 17, and is urging people to speak out.
Meena, 45, who lives in Norwood Green, is dreading the upcoming 'festival of light', which is also celebrated by the Sikh community and traditionally signifies the victory of good over evil in every human being.
She told the Chronicle: "The celebrations carry on for the whole month, all hours of the day and night. It's like living in a war zone. The fireworks can go on till three or four in the morning.
"I know many elderly people who find it very disturbing and it is an absolute nightmare for people with pets such as myself.
"Parents are also at their wits' end trying to get their children to sleep."
Amritpal Singh Mann, Labour councillor for Heston East ward, agreed, saying: "I have a great deal of sympathy. Gone are the days where they were just small family occasions with a few crackers. The fireworks are so huge now."
Hounslow Council prohibits fireworks after 11pm, apart from special occasions such as the day of Diwali, which this year will be October 28, when they can continue until 1am.
Raghbir Khangura, general secretary of the Gurdwara on Hanworth Road, Hounslow, said: "The fireworks do disturb your peaceful life. I think often it is the young people, they start drinking and get out of control - I may discuss it with the committee and see if we can come to some sort of conclusion."
