October 2002, Manchester News,  Terror attack by firework thugs
A GANG of yobs attacked fire crews with a barrage of fireworks as they tackled a blaze.
Around 40 thugs launched the attack using rockets and bangers and threw them at firemen who were putting out a fire at a porter's cabin in Blandford Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, last night (Tuesday).
Some of the crews were said to be "extremely" lucky not to have suffered serious injury.
One of the fire engines had rockets thrown on top of it, which exploded and destroyed the blue flashing lights. It took 30 minutes to repair the damage and meant the engine could not answer any emergency calls.
A fire station spokesman said: "It's incredible that on our busiest night of the year, when we are trying to make sure the public is safe, that we are attacked by a few people having what they think is a laugh and a joke.
"It could have been much more serious, because for 30 minutes several crews were out of operation."
A similar incident took place in the Partington area of Trafford when 30 yobs attacked a fire engine. Other fire crews said they were lucky to escape injury when youngsters threw fireworks onto a bonfire in Moss Side.
Burns
There were a number of injuries caused by fireworks. A two-year-old girl suffered burns to her neck and shoulder and seven other youngsters were hurt. Four adults also suffered minor burns at organised displays.
The incidents come after two Greater Manchester youngsters had their hands blown off in firework accidents in the last week.
The M.E.N. has campaigned for an end to the public sale of fireworks in a bid to prevent injuries and nuisance.
Chief Supt Brian Wroe, head of Salford Police, today backed the M.E.N. campaign to ban the sale of fireworks to the public. "I see at close quarters the misery caused by fireworks in the lead up to November 5," he said.
"We have had many incidents from the minor to the very serious, such as the youth who lost his hand this week.
"Last night, a car was seriously damaged by youths who placed a powerful firework inside it in Charlestown - a serious case of arson.
"My officers have responded every night to disorder involving fireworks since the beginning of October."

October 31, 2002  Bath Chronicle,  CARS WRECKED IN HALCON 'WAR ZONE'
The misuse of fireworks has turned one area of Taunton into a virtual war zone, it was claimed this week Three cars caught fire and were reduced to shells in the Halcon area on Monday night and children were seen throwing fireworks in the street.
One resident who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals said: "It was just like Beirut here on Monday night.
Cars were burned out and fireworks were going off all night.
"The police and fire brigade were called and the language and abuse they received from these kids was unbelievable. I even saw some children pick up bricks and hurl them at a telephone box.
"People in this area need to be more vigilant and report these children. Some of them are as young as seven."
The fire brigade spent most of Monday evening and night dealing with car fires.
Station Officer Richard Morgan told the Taunton Times: "Between 4.30pm and 11pm we attended five deliberately ignited and suspicious fires in Taunton.
"We had one in the Blackbrook area, two in Roman Road, one outside the tip just off Toneway, and one in Crossway."
A spokesman for the police press office said: "Police received reports of fireworks being let off in a dangerous manner by youths in Roman Road in Taunton at 4.03pm on Monday.
"Officers investigated but no arrests were made. However, advice was given to those people who had been involved."
Melvin Mullins, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Halcon, said he was saddened to hear of the incidents in the area on Monday night.
"I think I can speak for the other two ward councillors when I say we will support the police in any way we can, " he said. "I would like to find out more about what exactly happened in the area and examine the issues carefully."
This is not the first time Taunton residents have complained about the misuse of fireworks.
Last year the Taunton Times received distressed calls from people in Halcon, Priorswood, Holway and Trull, who said they did not feel safe in their own homes during the fireworks season.
One woman from Milverton, Jo Steer, who has a campaign group, Control of Fireworks for Animal Welfare (COFFAW ), said she had not only had phone calls about animals, but from elderly people begging her for help because fireworks had given them flashbacks to when they were blitzed out of their homes during the war.

October 31, 2002, BBC News Scotland, Firework Complaints Rocket
Almost 2,000 incidents involving fireworks have been reported to Scotland's largest police force in the past six weeks.  Strathclyde Police said it was a matter of "sheer luck" that no-one had been seriously injured in the huge tally of incidents.   Lit fireworks have been placed in post boxes, thrown at people and at passing cars and in one case dropped in the hood of a child's jacket.
Detectives said they were concerned at the number of adults who had been involved in the incidents.
With Bonfire Night five days away, Glasgow City Council has seized more than 11 tons of fireworks.
It recovered more than eight tons of fireworks from an unlicensed store in the Dalmarnock area of the city and there was a further discovery of 3.4 tons in an outlet that was licensed to store only one ton.
Two men, aged 18 and 21, were arrested in the Knightswood area of Glasgow for throwing fireworks at men working in a cradle between the 18th and 20th floors of a multi-storey block.
Police officers from Strathclyde Police have seized tons of fireworks from 1,848 incidents, between 16 September and 27 October.
From these 127 people have been reported to the procurator fiscal or Reporter to the Children's Panel.
Superintendent Brian Ferries said: "It is just by sheer luck that we have not had a serious injury in the last few weeks and I am concerned at the number of adults who have been involved in these reckless acts.
"In many areas retail outlets are being visited to ensure that fireworks are properly stored and that staff are aware of their legal obligations."

October 31, 2002, BBCi Teletext, Firework badly charity building
There has been a call for new controls on the sale of fireworks after a Red Cross Building was damaged.
The building in Ilminster was damaged after a firework was set off in the entrance hall.   Debris falling from the explosion smashed the windscreen of a car parked nearby and onlookers say its a miracle that no one was seriously injured.
In separate incidents, Somerset Fire Brigade have dealt with five car fires which they believe involves fireworks.

October 31, 2002, BBCi Teletext, Shops face demolition after major blaze
Firefighters have started enquiries to see whether a blaze that destroyed a row of shops was caused by children playing with fireworks.
The fire seriously damaged a florist's shop in Wheelgate, Malton, North Yorkshire after starting early today.  Upstairs offices were also destroyed.  Five North Yorkshire fire engines and thirty five firefighters took three hours to bring the fire under control.
The building was so seriously damaged that they will probably be demolished.

October 31 2002, Evening News 24, Crackdown on firework sales to kids
ROGUE traders in Norfolk who flout the law by selling fireworks to underage children have been warned they face a crackdown following an Evening News investigation.
Norfolk Trading Standards today said officers would be carrying out spot inspections of outlets over the next few days to check shopkeepers were complying with the law.
Officials, who have responsibility for enforcing the law preventing the sale of fireworks to under 18s, have already inspected a number of local outlets and found although most traders were acting responsibly, others were putting the public at risk.
The problem was highlighted by an Evening News investigation last Friday when a 17-year-old, working undercover, was able to buy fireworks, including metre-long rockets and giant air bombs, at seven out of 10 city shops.
The findings sparked alarm among safety experts and prompted several stores we visited to launch immediate staff training on the rules in the run up to Bonfire Night.
Steve Holland, head of Norfolk County Council's Trading Standards department, said: "We've already found evidence of illegal sales during our current test purchasing exercise so we know that this is happening.
"We will continue to press all businesses selling fireworks to comply with the obligations. The key message to businesses is this - if they are in any doubt about the age of a young person trying to buy fireworks they should not sell."
The law states that caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and 'throwdowns' must not be supplied to under 16s, and there are some fireworks, including bangers, mini-rockets and fireworks with erratic flight, such as squibs, which must not be supplied to the general public at all.
Norfolk Fire Service also announced today it would be taking tough action on those who fail to comply with Firework Safety Regulations. Offenders face prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000, a prison sentence of up to six months, or both.
Trading standards will also be checking shopkeepers know the rules about firework safety. These include:
* Retail boxes of fireworks must not be split
* Fireworks must not be displayed in a shop window
* All fireworks for use by the general public must comply with British Safety Standards
A group of MPs yesterday launched a national bid to ban the sale of fireworks at certain times of the year in an effort to reduce the number of injuries and deaths.
Proposing the move, Scottish National Party MP Mike Weir said a time limit would limit the "reckless and stupid" use of fireworks which "endangers lives and causes misery".
* Traders wanting more information about the laws relating to firework sales and safety can use the super website on www.superuk.com and anyone else who needs information on this issue should call Norfolk Trading Standards on 08457 444466.

October 31 2002, Evening Chronicle, Firework call
THOUSANDS of people across North Tyneside are backing a campaign to crack down on fireworks misuse.
More than 200,000 people in Britain have signed a petition presented to 10 Downing Street.
Tynemouth Alan Campbell MP has also backing the call for tighter controls on the sale and use of fireworks.
He said: "Many constituents regard this as a quality of life issue. They are fed up with youngsters causing mayhem with fireworks. "They are also concerned with the way that domestic pets are affected and, in some cases, targeted. "My colleagues and I will continue to highlight this issue."

October 31, 2002, Evening Post, CLAMPING DOWN ON CITY-WIDE FIREWORKS MENACE
The problem of fireworks appears to be getting more threatening by the year. Now police in Clifton and The Meadows have made their first arrest since launching a special scheme to crack down on the problem.  Every evening for the past fortnight, two or three extra police officers have been patrolling the streets of The Meadows and Clifton.  But this is not as a result of an increase in gun crime or a sharp rise in the number of muggings. This is to deal with the fear of fireworks.  Between 6pm and 10pm a police patrol car has been visiting hotspots where problems of anti-social behaviour, mainly with fireworks, have been highlighted by worried residents.
Now police have arrested a 16-year-old youth after he allegedly threw a firework at a group of youths.  No-one was hurt but in a rare legal move he must appear before Nottingham Youth Court charged with throwing a firework in a public place under the 1875 Explosions Act. He could be fined up to £5,000.
Only a few dozen such charges are brought against adults across the country each year, but for it to be brought against a juvenile, especially in Nottingham, is very rare.  Police acknowledge that children have a fascination with fireworks.  But they are trying to stamp out the problem of youngsters who go too far with that fascination without realising the potentially devastating consequences.  The police have been using video cameras during the past three months to catch youngsters behaving badly, mainly in large groups in parks and outside shops.
The idea is that they identify the troublesome youngster, then take them home and show their parents the video to highlight the full extent of anti-social behaviour their child has been demonstrating while out with their friends.
They plan to use the film from the alleged Clifton incident in the 16-year-old's court case. Inspector John Woodward, local area commander for The Meadows and Clifton, believes the initiative being run by his officers up until November 5 is important.  He said last year the force was inundated with calls from frightened residents, some mistaking fireworks for gunshots.  But his feeling is the heightened patrols will help the police deal with troublemakers.
Key legislation
The Explosives Act 1875 was set up to respect the manufacture, testing, sale, storage, transportation and importation of explosives and the use of fireworks.
It contains several offences that can result in up to a £5,000 fine. It makes it an offence to store fireworks, except for private use, on premises which have not been licensed for that purpose.
It is also makes it an offence to supply fireworks to people under the age of 18.
And, as in the case of the 16-year-old Clifton boy due to appear before the youth court next month, it is an offence to throw or discharge a firework in a street or public place.

October 31, 2002, icCoventry, City to consider firework ban
Councillors in Coventry will next week decide whether to ask the government to allow the city to become one of the first in the country to bring in a bylaw banning fireworks from being set off late at night and early in the morning. Oct 31 2002         
Members of Coventry City Council will consider the bylaw banning fireworks between 11pm and 7am at a meeting on Thursday, November 7.   If they are happy with the by-law, they will ask the government to give the go-ahead for them to make the ban a law in the city.   If the by-law comes in, the council will have to find an extra £65,000 a year to have someone available 24 hours a day to enforce it.   
Cllr John McNicholas (Lab, Lower Stoke), cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "We're really keen to do all we can in ensuring the public can enjoy fireworks safely and not at the expense of distressing others and their pets.   "The opportunity of a local by-law will enable us to have a tighter control on when fireworks can be set off and would be a national first."   
Trading Standards officer Peter Randall said: "We are currently working closely with partner organisations such as West Midlands Police and the Fire Service to make sure that anti-social behaviour due to firework misuse is reduced."   
Trading standards officers are currently distributing copies of the city council's fireworks good neighbour code to retail outlets, who will issue a copy to everyone who makes a firework purchase.   The code encourages people to take neighbours and their pets into consideration when using fireworks and reminds users of certain safety issues.

October 31 2002, icCoventry - Store not guilty in fireworks sale case
Coventry Trading Standards officers have vowed to continue their fight to prevent under-age teenagers buying fireworks, despite losing an important case.
Officers prosecuted the owners of the One-Stop shop, T and S Stores, in Station Avenue, Tile Hill, after an assistant sold a packet of five Thunderfire Ignition Rockets to a 16-year-old girl and her 15-year-old friend.
The company, which is based in Walsall and has a chain of stores which have been taken over by Tesco, denied breaching the Consumer Protection Act of 1997.
Coventry magistrates heard yesterday how the store was one of 15 city shops targeted for spot checks in October last year.
The two girls were among several who volunteered following a Trading Standards officers appeal in the Evening Telegraph for children to check out illegal sales of fireworks, tobacco, alcohol and solvents.
But shop assistant Lisa Harrison told the court that while she realised one of the teenagers who came into her shop was too young to buy fireworks, she genuinely believed the older girl was aged 18.
Vicki Buckley, prosecuting, said: "Were you aware of the restrictions on selling fireworks to those under the age of 18?"
Mrs Harrison said: "I know that by selling fireworks to under-age children I could risk three months imprisonment or a £5,000 fine."
She was told that the girls had been refused fireworks at 14 other shops but she had agreed to take the rockets from the locked cabinet because there had been "nothing suspicious" about the older girl.
Barrister David Travers, for the Tile Hill shop, said Mrs Harrison had made a misjudgement but the owners of the store chain had done all they could to institute training policies and warnings.
Store manager Daniel Brooks had absolute confidence in Mrs Harrison who had turned away teenagers in the past. But he accepted that a Refusals Book - which kept a record of all those rejected - had gone missing for the period in question.
Mr Travers did, however, produce a letter of congratulations from lottery organisers Camelot after staff at the store had refused to sell a ticket to an underage teenager during another spot check.
Magistrates agreed that training procedures had been followed and agreed to meet the costs of the defence from central court funds.
But afterwards, Manjit Dhaliwal, the council's principal trading standards officer, said: "Regardless of this outcome we will continue to fight to protect children from buying dangerous fireworks which can cause so much harm to themselves and create a noise nuisance to others.
"Our message to all traders is that if they are unsure about the age of a young shopper they should ask for an identity card or simply not sell. We will maintain our vigil and are again about to go out on the streets checking other stores."

October 31 2002, icHuddersfield, Make sure you are as safe as houses on Bonfire Night
MORE than 1,300 people were injured by fireworks last year - but leading 24-hour insurance brokers People's Choice advises that householders should not only follow the firework code to prevent injury, but also be extra vigilant when it comes to security on Bonfire Night.
From last year's claims data, People's Choice reports that householders are FOUR times as likely to be burgled on November 5 than any other day in November.
Even if you are just popping over to a neighbour's house for fireworks, there are some people out to take advantage of the darker nights. To help you celebrate safely, Peoples Choice has compiled some steps to help deter burglars:
* Do not leave any windows open if the home is unattended. If a window is wide enough to get a human head through, a burglar can gain entry.
* Fit a NACOSS approved burglar alarm. Good insurers will discount your household insurance with each protective measure you take. Many of Peoples Choice's policies offer discounts of up to 15% for households with alarms and/or approved door and window locks.
* Join an active neighbourhood watch scheme - not only will you have more people looking out for your home, but you will also receive further advice on how to protect it.
* Don't leave door keys in hiding places such as underneath a plant pot or mat - thieves know all typical hiding places.
* Check the contents cover of your insurance policy. A good policy will offer new for old - replacing old possessions at their current market value. Brokers like Peoples Choice will be able to offer an excellent range of cover - something suitable for everyone. Peoples Choice can now offer cover up to £80,000 on some of their policies - which is ideal for anyone who has inherited valuable jewellery, art or antiques.
Finally, if disaster does strike, don't forget that Peoples Choice is open 24 hours a day to help with emergencies. While everyone is advised to take good care of their property, Peoples Choice recognise that determined thieves will always find a way and in these cases, your best protection will always be a good quality insurance policy.
People's Choice, Chief Executive, David Pearce explains:
"Household claims are more likely around bonfire night than at any other time of the year.
"It is always wise to ensure that you have a good quality insurance policy to protect yourself.
Read the small print on your policy to make sure you have the cover you want and if you don't then shop around using a broker - good quality cover need not be expensive."

October 31 2002, icLiverpool, Echo Letters 31 October 2002
REGARDING the letter from Mr P. Ward of Wirral: Once again, bonfire night approaches and once again someone like him - who is most certainly in the minority - comes crawling out of the woodwork to tell me that I'm a kill-joy for wanting a ban on fireworks.
Yes, I did have a childhood, and I now have an eight-year-old who has a childhood, and, yes, we do get down to the Albert Dock on November 5 and we enjoy the organised display ('organised' being the operative word here). But I am adamant that fireworks should be banned except for that one night only at an organised display.
The sale of fireworks to the public should be completely banned. It is the mindless idiots who are the 'killjoys' bringing no joy at all, but misery for weeks on end, year in and year out, terrifying elderly people and terrorising animals.
Even some of the younger generation are afraid of the horrific explosions shaking our houses.
Where is the fun in this? Mr Ward is still living in his childhood by all accounts. Hot dogs and hot chocolate, indeed!
L. R. Anfield

October 31 2002, icNorthWales - Firework prank, Daily Post
A 15-YEAR-OLD boy who pushed a lighted firework into the letterbox at Conwy police station for a dare appeared before a youth court yesterday. He admitted arson and prosecution costs of £35 were awarded. He will be referred to a youth panel for six months and they will draw up activities to stop him re-offending.

October 31 2002, icSurrey Online, Fireworks are stressful
WITH the coming of the firework season, may I make a plea asking people through your newspaper to try and not let very loud fireworks off near neighbours who may be elderly or very ill.
Of course, this brings a great deal of stress to those who have to suffer this disturbance as they cannot get away from it.
J. M. Merstham

October 31 2002, icSurrey Online, The fireworks are just too much
I WOULD like to ask my fellow townsmen to have a little more consideration for their neighbours before setting off fireworks.
I adore fireworks but only around November or for special occasions. However, it seems most evenings are disturbed with fireworks going off, all year round, night or day.
Recently Redhill seems to having a continuous celebration of sorts. Why?
Name and address supplied

October 31 2002, Leeds Today, Bangers 'n smash
NEW laws to control the sale of fireworks could soon be introduced after the Yorkshire Evening Post campaign chalked up a major victory in the Houses of Parliament.
The YEP launched its Save the Fireworks for Bonfire Night campaign after teenage yobs misusing them in the streets left hundreds of readers terrified.
Nearly 60 MPs have supported the YEP bid to limit the period over which fireworks can be sold and for a licensing system to be introduced for displays.
Now, responding to growing calls for tighter controls, including a Commons motion backing the YEP's campaign, Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson said she is now prepared to review the laws.
Ms Johnson told the House of Commons she would be prepared to consider a new Bill if one was put forward by an MP.
She said: "The Government will look sympathetically at any such Bill if a draft is available."
Ms Johnson said there had been increases in injuries and incidents of misuse of fireworks in the street. During last year's firework season 1,362 people needed hospital treatment.
She went on: "That represents far too many people being hurt and is an increase on the previous year."
Veteran fireworks campaigner Marjorie Johnson, who lives in Harrogate, welcomed the news. She said: "It's a move in the right direction and there is so much support out there for a change in the law."
MP John Battle, (Lab, Leeds West) said campaigners had forced ministers to consider the problem as a "major issue".
Mr Battle said: "If people think it is a one-week wonder, around Bonfire Night, it is not going to stop on November 5.
"It is a campaign that is going to go on throughout the winter and into Spring. We will be looking for legislation by this time next year."

October 31 2002, Leicester Mercury, TRADERS FACING FINES FOR FLOUTING FIREWORKS LAW
Four city shopkeepers could face fines of up to £5,000, after being caught selling fireworks to children. Leicester City Council has warned the traders it will take tough action after they flouted the law - despite a major publicity campaign.  The law bans traders from selling fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.
Last week, a 14-year-old child working undercover for the council's public protection service attempted to buy fireworks from 22 city stores. In four cases, the child succeeded.  Public protection officer John Fox said: "We will probably be prosecuting them. We cannot name them at present as we are interviewing them this week to see what they say, but it is likely we will prosecute them all.  "We had a big public education campaign during the summer, where every shop in Leicester had a visit from us and advice on age-restricted products. There is no excuse for breaking the law. It is not as if it could have slipped their memory."
Coun Nigel Holden, who is spearheading the council's campaign against firework nuisance, said: "Retailers should be fully aware of the consequences of selling fireworks to children. We will take tough action against any retailer caught doing this."
The news comes the day after the Mercury revealed that 107 people had complained to the city council about fireworks this year, compared to 12 last year. The Mercury and the council are staging a campaign against firework nuisance.  Yesterday, MPs held a routine Commons debate on the subject of whether to further restrict or ban the use of fireworks.  Conservative trade spokesman, Blaby MP Andrew Robathan said more should be done to enforce existing laws, rather than introduce new ones to clamp down on the sale of fireworks.  He told MPs: "Do we really want more laws. Do we really want more regulation, more restrictions on individual freedoms? I don't think we do, I don't think we want to make this any more of a nanny state."
Consumer minister Melanie Johnson hinted the Government might support moves to restrict the length of time fireworks were on sale.  But she said: "The Government doesn't believe that the case has been made for banning the sale of fireworks and limiting the use of fireworks to organised displays.  "We've looked very closely at it and we believe that such a ban not only might lead to the development of an illegal market in fireworks, but could also encourage people to produce homemade devices."

October 31 2002, Manchester Online, Fireworks being sold to kids seized
POLICE have seized an arsenal of highly dangerous fireworks being sold to children on the black market.
Officers discovered several hundred fireworks - including some so powerful they can only be sold to people with explosives training - being sold to youngsters from the back of a van and a car boot in Wythenshawe.
Up to half the explosives are extremely powerful Category Four display fireworks.
It is illegal to sell the fireworks to anyone who has not been trained in explosives.
Less powerful fireworks can only be sold by people with a licence and may not by bought by anyone under the age of 18.
Following the raids, four men have been charged with offences under the Explosives Act and another with drug dealing. In the most recent seizure, two men from outside the Wythenshawe area were caught selling the fireworks door-to-door and from a car boot.
Insp Kevin Marriott, of Wythenshawe police, said: "Some fireworks were found in a house and some in a vehicle from which he was selling them. These fireworks are capable of causing severe injuries or could even kill.
"I am certain that they were being sold to children and young people from the back of a van.
Explosives
"Children buy these not knowing how dangerous they are." In one house, more than 50 kilos of the explosives were discovered and a further 136 kilos was found at another address and in a van. Several hundred more fireworks were also discovered in the boot of a car.
The arsenal included illegal mortar bombs and four-foot long rockets so powerful they would easily kill a child. Hundreds of the fireworks were discovered in an alcove behind a front door.
At another address, the explosives were so powerful they would have blown up the property if accidentally ignited. The seizures were made as part of a special operation in Wythenshawe to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour - including nuisance caused by children with fireworks.
Since Operation Garden City was launched earlier this month, reports of youth nuisance has fallen by 39 per cent and there has been a 16 per cent reduction in overall crime.
Police are appealing for anyone with information about the illegal sale of fireworks to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The MEN is campaigning for a ban on the general sale of fireworks and is promoting a series of official displays this Bonfire Night.

October 31 2002, Manchester online, Stay Safe Campaign
Instead of trying to ban fireworks, why not enforce the law that already exists? Children should not have access to fireworks, so prosecute those responsible for selling them illegally.
B. Kent

October 31 2002, Manchester online, Stay Safe Campaign
Selling fireworks months in advance of November 5 is a money-spinner for shops and the firework trade, so they are unlikely to voluntarily limit sales. Safety issues are not even considered by them. I would suggest fireworks go on sale only on November 4 and sales stop on November 6, and that a strict law is passed. Also that there is a greater police presence on the streets to catch firework offenders.
L S, Eccles

October 31 2002, Press Gazette Online, Manchester paper rejects fireworks advertisement
The advertisement department at the paper is supporting editorial in a campaign to persuade the Government to outlaw over-the-counter sales of fireworks to anyone other than those buying for licensed organised bonfires. The move follows a series of horrific incidents in the run-up to Guy Fawkes' Night. 
Editor Paul Horrocks said there had already been a lot of injuries. "Yobs threw a firework along a street knowing a particular dog would run after it as if it was a stick. It blew the dog up and killed it.  "We carried one dreadful story last Friday of a pregnant woman who lost her baby when yobs threw a firework through her letterbox. It exploded near her stomach." 
Following the story, the paper carried an advertisement from a garden centre promoting the sale of fireworks.  A reader quickly pointed out what he saw as hypocrisy on the part of the paper when it was campaigning for a ban on such sales.  "We no longer accept advertisements from any company relating to the sale of fireworks," said Horrocks. 
Local MP Jim Dobbin has taken up the MEN's cause and is lobbying the Government to act on the paper's campaign.  Horrocks added: "Every year newspapers report a catalogue of injury caused by fireworks and we know that often young people get access to fireworks when they are below the legal age at which they can buy them. These are potentially lethal devices, which year after year are misused, and I think it's time the Government addressed the issue as a matter of public safety.  "We are not against people enjoying themselves and there's no reason why they can't go to organised bonfires and fireworks displays. Our campaign is being run in conjunction with Manchester City Council, which is now advertising such displays and we are recommending people go to those rather than having their own, which can be dangerous."
The Kent Messenger printed a poster to help its readers deter unwanted trick-or-treaters this Halloween.  The half-page poster, said: "No trick or treat, thank you" in 140 point red capitals and carried the logos of the KM and Kent Police.  Readers were invited to cut it out and put it in a front window. Editor Ron Green said: "Each year we run stories about trick-or-treaters causing all kinds of problems, so we thought we would help people do something about it."

October 31 2002, This is Barry, Fireworks sales 'must be limited'
AS BARRY braces itself for Hallowe'en, and the run-up to bonfire night, a politician is calling for a crackdown on the sale of fireworks.
Councillors are becoming increasingly concerned at the sheer volume of bangers being let off, usually by youths, night after night in the town.
Town councillor Richard Bertin is now appealing to the Welsh Assembly to put a lid on sales.
He told the News: "People are worried about the firework season. Not only are the users at risk but also pensioners and pets who often fall victim to these nuisances."
Describing the early sale of bangers as "unacceptable", Cllr Bertin says it is time something is done to limit the use of fireworks at other times of the year.
He added: "Controlled sales need to take place. I believe the same amount of sales would occur in the run up week to bonfire night."
Cllr Bertin claims he has seen children as young as five playing with fireworks in his ward.
He said: "As pretty as they are, we must not forget that fireworks can cause horrific injuries.
"It is time the Assembly, and the Government acted. There should be more support for organised events such as the Barry Firework Festival, reducing the problems caused by early sales."
A spokesman for the National Assembly said: "Unfortunately, trade restrictions are not a devolved matter, but an issue for the Department of Trade and Industry.
"However, a question was asked in the Assembly last week and first minister Rhodri Morgan raised concerns.
"Statistics show more firework related injuries are being treated in casualty departments rather than GP surgeries, suggesting they are more serious. Mr Morgan said this is not acceptable, and that the industry, shop keepers and the DTI need to do something about it."

October 31 2002, This is Bradford, Letters to the Editor Loud fireworks
SIR, - I would like to put a contrary view to that expressed by Jane Butterworth in your October 17 edition.
I can quite understand and appreciate that fireworks, when set off in controlled and safe conditions, are something well worth seeing.
I am certainly not in favour of a total ban. Having said that, my objections relate to those extremely loud fireworks, which sound more like bombs than the ordinary fireworks that I remember from when I was young.
About 14 days ago, I was treated to a firework display somewhere on Station Road. This display consisted of rockets which exploded. As far as these extremely loud explosion were concerned, triple glazing had no effect.
I am quite sure those people at the party enjoyed it. I did not.
I was equally unimpressed when I was woken up at 1.20 on Saturday morning by some charming individuals setting off their air bombs (or whatever they are called)
I could use some very colourful language to describe this person, or group of people. All I will say is that it is a shame they were not asleep just as I had been.
I would like to see some controls brought in on fireworks and I would also like to know what people are doing setting off fireworks at 1.20 in the morning.
A. B. Burley-in-Wharfedale .

October 31 2002, This is Cheshire, MP supports call for more rules on sale of fireworks
WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has joined the Parliamentary fight for further restrictions on the sale of fireworks.
The MP is supporting two initiatives - firstly a call for air bombs to be banned, and secondly for the sale of fireworks to be severely restricted.
The use of fireworks has become a continual nuisance to members of the public over an increasingly extended period around bonfire night.
The Government is being asked to investigate the matter urgently and to make proposals which would restrict the sale and use of fireworks to organised groups which operate safe displays.
Mrs Jones said: "Every year I receive complaints from constituents about the unnecessary terror and disruption caused by the inconsiderate use of fireworks.
"The current firework voluntary code appears to be inadequate in tackling these problems, and the time has come to introduce tight restrictions."

October 31 2002, This is Devon, MP Backs Limits On Firework Sales
Sales of fireworks should be banned at certain times of the year to reduce the number of injuries and deaths, according to Plymouth MP Linda Gilroy.
The Scottish National Party's Mike Weir launched his bid for tougher regulation on firework sales during a debate in Westminster Hall.
Calling for a time limit on firework sales, he stressed that he did not seek a complete ban.
However, current laws dated back 130 years and were ineffective in dealing with the powerful fireworks for the 21st century.
Mr Weir was supported by Ms Gilroy, who called for firework sales to be put on a statutory footing. "It is essential we find ways of putting Jack back in the box," she said.

October 31 2002, This is Lancashire, Rocket for bonfire night thugs
FIREWORKS can bring fun and excitement to many, but they can cause misery and serious injury to others. DEAN KIRBY looks at the efforts being made to prevent the sale of dangerous fireworks and to keep people safe
YOUTHS attack firefighters with rockets, arsonists push a Roman candle through a family's letterbox and a schoolboy's hand is badly injured when a rocket explodes as he holds it.
These are just three stories that have appeared in the Bolton Evening News during the countdown to Bonfire Night.
And it is likely that there will be more reports of firework misuse over the next few days.
The number of injuries caused by firework-related incidents rose by 50 per cent last year -- the biggest increase for nearly a decade.
Some 249 people were hurt in the North-west alone.
The Government has now promised to introduce tough new measures designed to reduce the number of casualties.
But those measures will only work if people, especially teenagers, stop putting their own and other people's lives at risk.
The moves, brought in by Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson, will include a voluntary ban on the manufacture of air bombs.
These are the cheap and accessible "pocket money" rockets that cause up to half of all firework-related injuries. Other measures will include a crackdown on the illegal trade in fireworks and efforts to encourage local authorities to curb the noise from bangers.
This will be followed by a new campaign warning teenagers about the dangers of fireworks.
Posters will be put up in Greater Manchester and TV adverts will highlight some of the injuries teenagers have suffered.
Mrs Johnson said: "Teenagers thinking of messing around with fireworks this year should think again. They are likely to spend Bonfire Night in casualty departments -- or worse.
"They should always remember that fireworks are explosives and that they can cause serious damage.
"We all want to enjoy the firework season, but too often this time of year is blighted by problems of firework misuse, noise and nuisance.
"It's vital we crack down on these problems and that we educate people to make sure they know the consequences."
The move has been backed by Bolton firefighters and by the British Fireworks Association, an umbrella group for firework manufacturers.
The association's members, who distribute 95 per cent of fireworks in the UK, have agreed to stop selling air bombs and small "whistle bang" rockets. They say the ban will result in a reduction of 30 million loud bangs in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
John Wilson, the association's chairman, said: "Our air bomb and rocket ban is aimed at the hooligan minority who give fireworks a bad name. We trust this announcement will be good news to many who have complained during the past year."
However, the ban will not come into effect for another 12 months because it will take that long for manufacturers to change their production schedules.
Firefighters in Bolton support the ban but they say firework-related injuries will only decrease if teenagers learn to appreciate the dangers.
Leading firefighter Terry Orrell, from Bolton's Community Fire Safety Resource Centre, said: "Teenagers need to realise that they are playing a dangerous game.
"One moment of madness could ruin the rest of their lives."
Firefighters from the resource centre have already been visiting schools around Bolton to talk to pupils. They say they will keep spreading the message, even after Bonfire Night.
One person who has already learned to his own cost the dangers of fireworks is 16-year-old John Morrison, from Astley.
A week before last Bonfire Night he headed for a field with a group of friends and a selection of banned fireworks.
The firework John tried to light exploded, ripping his right hand to shreds.
His father, Mike, said: "John's hand was a complete mess. It was split right down to the bone and his remaining fingers were broken."
The blast had taken off the top joint on his thumb, the top two joints on his index finger and the top joint on his middle finger.
John had to undergo two eight-hour operations to rebuild his fingers and the muscles in the palm of his hand.
Fortunately, the surgery was successful and he has regained 70 per cent of the feeling in his hand. But he still cannot do some simple tasks, like doing up buttons.
Mr Morrison said: "It's been a very traumatic time for our family. My son was lucky that the firework didn't blow up in his face. In that respect, it could have been a lot worse."
Other teenagers will only stay safe if they start learning about the dangers and stop taking risks.

October 31 2002, This is Lancashire, Why not licence fireworks
DEREK Abbott, of Tyldesley, has come up with a sparkling solution that could solve the firework "season" nuisance.
While holidaying in Hawaii he read in the local paper that the islands had the same problem. Their solution was simple. Anyone who wishes to buy fireworks has to buy a licence costing $25.
This effectively dissuades anyone from buying small amounts but allows the purchase of fireworks for larger public displays.
After suffering the effects of nightly explosions for the last few weeks, and looking forward to a respite, like hundreds of other householders, Derek suggests a fee of £25.
Make it £50 or even more -- but that still won't beat the thieves who have a beano raiding the stores and setting off their own free displays. Residents at the Lowton end of St Helens Road were treated to a three hour evening session the other weekend. It's just not on.
Why not a complete ban apart from organised events -- along with halting the harassment of the elderly by trick or treaters at Hallowee'n?

October 31 2002, this is Leicestershire - TRADERS FACING FINES FOR FLOUTING FIREWORKS LAW
Four city shopkeepers could face fines of up to £5,000, after being caught selling fireworks to children.
Leicester City Council has warned the traders it will take tough action after they flouted the law - despite a major publicity campaign.
The law bans traders from selling fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.
Last week, a 14-year-old child working undercover for the council's public protection service attempted to buy fireworks from 22 city stores. In four cases, the child succeeded.
Public protection officer John Fox said: "We will probably be prosecuting them. We cannot name them at present as we are interviewing them this week to see what they say, but it is likely we will prosecute them all.
"We had a big public education campaign during the summer, where every shop in Leicester had a visit from us and advice on age-restricted products. There is no excuse for breaking the law. It is not as if it could have slipped their memory."
Coun Nigel Holden, who is spearheading the council's campaign against firework nuisance, said: "Retailers should be fully aware of the consequences of selling fireworks to children. We will take tough action against any retailer caught doing this."
The news comes the day after the Mercury revealed that 107 people had complained to the city council about fireworks this year, compared to 12 last year. The Mercury and the council are staging a campaign against firework nuisance.
Yesterday, MPs held a routine Commons debate on the subject of whether to further restrict or ban the use of fireworks.
Conservative trade spokesman, Blaby MP Andrew Robathan said more should be done to enforce existing laws, rather than introduce new ones to clamp down on the sale of fireworks.
He told MPs: "Do we really want more laws. Do we really want more regulation, more restrictions on individual freedoms? I don't think we do, I don't think we want to make this any more of a nanny state."
Consumer minister Melanie Johnson hinted the Government might support moves to restrict the length of time fireworks were on sale.
But she said: "The Government doesn't believe that the case has been made for banning the sale of fireworks and limiting the use of fireworks to organised displays.
"We've looked very closely at it and we believe that such a ban not only might lead to the development of an illegal market in fireworks, but could also encourage people to produce homemade devices."

October 31 2002, this is Nottingham, CLAMPING DOWN ON CITY-WIDE FIREWORKS MENACE
The problem of fireworks appears to be getting more threatening by the year. Now police in Clifton and The Meadows have made their first arrest since launching a special scheme to crack down on the problem. STEVIE RODEN reports
Every evening for the past fortnight, two or three extra police officers have been patrolling the streets of The Meadows and Clifton.
But this is not as a result of an increase in gun crime or a sharp rise in the number of muggings. This is to deal with the fear of fireworks.
Between 6pm and 10pm a police patrol car has been visiting hotspots where problems of anti-social behaviour, mainly with fireworks, have been highlighted by worried residents.
Now police have arrested a 16-year-old youth after he allegedly threw a firework at a group of youths.
No-one was hurt but in a rare legal move he must appear before Nottingham Youth Court charged with throwing a firework in a public place under the 1875 Explosions Act. He could be fined up to £5,000.
Only a few dozen such charges are brought against adults across the country each year, but for it to be brought against a juvenile, especially in Nottingham, is very rare.
Police acknowledge that children have a fascination with fireworks.
But they are trying to stamp out the problem of youngsters who go too far with that fascination without realising the potentially devastating consequences.
The police have been using video cameras during the past three months to catch youngsters behaving badly, mainly in large groups in parks and outside shops.
The idea is that they identify the troublesome youngster, then take them home and show their parents the video to highlight the full extent of anti-social behaviour their child has been demonstrating while out with their friends.
They plan to use the film from the alleged Clifton incident in the 16-year-old's court case. Inspector John Woodward, local area commander for The Meadows and Clifton, believes the initiative being run by his officers up until November 5 is important.
He said last year the force was inundated with calls from frightened residents, some mistaking fireworks for gunshots.
But his feeling is the heightened patrols will help the police deal with troublemakers.

Key legislation
The Explosives Act 1875 was set up to respect the manufacture, testing, sale, storage, transportation and importation of explosives and the use of fireworks.
It contains several offences that can result in up to a £5,000 fine. It makes it an offence to store fireworks, except for private use, on premises which have not been licensed for that purpose.
It is also makes it an offence to supply fireworks to people under the age of 16.
And, as in the case of the 16-year-old Clifton boy due to appear before the youth court next month, it is an offence to throw or discharge a firework in a street or public place.

October 31 2002, This is Nottingham, CRACKDOWN ON FIREWORKS IS WELCOMED
The police crackdown on mischief-making with fireworks is backed by an old set of laws ... and a new tide of support.
The Government did the decent thing in extending Vibration White Finger compensation to the families of pitmen who suffered the condition yet who died before they could seek redress.
One of the most powerful additions to our Be Safe Not Sorry campaign dossier came this time last year when we reported from St Ann's on the outrage caused by an anarchic wave of incidents involving youths and fireworks.
Already this autumn, police in Clifton and The Meadows have received countless calls from fretting residents.
If video patrols help catch or deter tearaways, here is a tactic that should be considered by other police commanders.
Be Safe Not Sorry, which seeks a ban on fireworks except at licensed public displays, aims to protect the victims of accidents as well as the victims of aggression.
So everybody who backs the campaign will be dismayed by the limp-wristed attitude of the Government.
Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson says there is "very real scope" for tightening the law, but she won't endorse a ban on sales to the general public. She believes it could lead to a black market and even to people trying to make their own fireworks.
But if she is convinced by the evidence that a ban would make Britain a safer, quieter place, she must press for it to become law.
Deterrents for black marketeers and DIY loonies can be built into the legislation.

October 31 2002, This is Nottingham, FIREWORKS YOBS TOLD - WE ARE WATCHING
A youth will be hauled before the courts for allegedly throwing a firework at a group of teenagers.
Notts police used a camcorder to film the 16-year-old throwing the missile during a tough crackdown on firework misuse.
He will now appear before youth court magistrates in a rare legal move.
And police warned other youngsters: "We will not tolerate people messing about with fireworks."
The video film will be used as evidence against the youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
He has been charged with throwing a firework in a public place under the Explosions Act 1875.
A summons served on the youth, believed to be the first of its kind in Notts this year, follows increased police patrols in Clifton and The Meadows in the run-up to November 5.
Officers have been patrolling streets and parks every evening for the past two weeks.
They are warning youngsters of the devastating consequences of misusing fireworks.
PC Darren White, based at Clifton, said: "Youngsters may think it is just a bit of fun but we want people to know that we take a tough stance on throwing fireworks.
"It is only a matter of time before somebody is seriously injured."
Last year the Evening Post launched its Be Safe Not Sorry campaign to combat the menace of fireworks on the streets.
It wants a ban on the sale of fireworks to the public.

October 31 2002, This is Oxfordshire, Please play it safe -- don't buy on the cheap
Safety experts have urged thousands of people across Oxfordshire planning to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night to avoid buying cheap fireworks.
The warnings come after figures revealed a 40 per cent increase in firework-related accidents in Britain last year.
Statistics compiled by the Department for Trade and Industry showed that 1,362 people were injured by fireworks last year, compared to 972 in 2000.
Most of those hurt suffered eye injuries which could have left them blind and many were young people, particularly boys aged 11 to 17.
In Oxfordshire, there was also a rise in the number of casualties, according to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Oxfordshire community fire safety officer Simon Belcher said: "While we don't want to discourage people from celebrating Bonfire Night, we really want them to play it safe.
"The Government produces leaflets outlining the precautions people should take if they are organising a home display, but the best advice we can give is for them to go to a professional display.
"If they must set off their own fireworks they should check they are registered with the British Standard Kite Mark number 7114."

October 31 2002, This is Wiltshire, Fireworks sold to girl, 13
Tesco, one of the biggest supermarkets in Swindon, has launched an investigation after it allowed our volunteer, schoolgirl Emma Oaten, to buy two sets of firework rockets. The age limit is 18.
ONE of Swindon's largest supermarkets has flouted the law by selling fireworks to a 13-year-old.
Tesco in Ocotal Way even offered Emma Oaten extra rockets as part of a two for one offer.
Emma volunteered to test out Swindon's major stores as part of an Evening Advertiser investigation into the availability of fireworks to children.
The legal age limit for selling fireworks is 18, but when the teenager visited Tesco staff were willing to serve her.
She bought eight Sky Target Rockets in two packs of four. The cost would have been £15.98 but she only had to spend £7.99 because of a buy one get one free offer.
Tesco today admitted its staff had made a blunder and launched an urgent inquiry.
Emma, a pupil at Kingsdown School, visited six stores in Swindon in an effort to purchase fireworks.
While five of the stores passed the test and refused to serve her, a woman at Tesco was more than helpful.
Emma, of Stratton St Margaret, said: "The fireworks were being sold on a kiosk behind the flowers.
"I told the lady that I wanted to buy a pack and she gave me two. When I asked her why, she told me there was a special two for one offer.
"I was surprised just how easy it was. All the staff at other stores in the town were very polite but all said I was too young.
"No questions were asked at all by the staff at Tesco. I simply paid for the fireworks and walked out of the store."
Tesco spokesman Greg Sage said: "We are extremely concerned to hear of this incident, and we are investigating it as a matter of urgency.
"We will ensure that staff at the store are reminded of the strict policies we have in place. All staff who sell fireworks are specially trained to ask for identification if they are not sure of a person's age."
Robert Taylour, Swindon Council's Public Protection Group Leader, has led the campaign to prevent fireworks from falling into the hands of the under-18s.
He revealed today that his officers had caught two shopkeepers selling fireworks to a 16-year-old and that legal action is likely to follow.
He said: "I'm very pleased with the five stores that did not sell fireworks to Emma. This perhaps suggests that our policy over the last few years of encouraging retailers to ask for proof of age is helping.
"However, we are disappointed when there are any sales to under-18s at all, so there is a black mark for that retailer.
"Our experience has been that in the last five years or so very few traders have sold fireworks to people under the legal age."
Around 1,362 people required hospital treatment in the UK during the 2001 fireworks season, an increase on the previous year. And there have been fresh calls for a ban on the sale of fireworks to the public to stop them getting into the wrong hands.
MPs led by the Scottish National Party's Mike Weir say there should be far tougher regulations on firework sales.
Current laws dated back 130 years, he said, and he claims they are proving ineffective in dealing with the powerful fireworks of the 21st century.