November 12 2002, Evening Chronicle, Firework ordeal
Firework hero Chris Rogers courage could cost him the sight in his right eye.  Mr Rogers saved his stepdaughter Joy from being hit by a wayward rocket at an organised bonfire display in Welfare Park, Bedlington.
But the firework hit him in the eye and now the 51-year-old JCB driver from Cramlington is waiting to learn the extent of the damage.
He said: "My eye was pushed back into my head. The children were just horrified when they saw whet had happened."

He was taken to specialists at Newcastle's RVI and faces an anxious wait to find out If he will regain full sight in the damaged eye.

November 12 2002, Evening Chronicle, Vent Your Spleen

YET another comment about fireworks. It's now 10.50 on Friday night after Guy Fawkes' Night and still there are bangers going off by the morons along the street. The dogs are terrified, the neighbours are sick. When will this Government realise the people of this country are sick to death of fireworks and Guy Fawkes' Night? Why isn't it banned? And why aren't fireworks only sold to people who are wanting to organise displays?

November 12 2002, icHuddersfield - Firework terror on bus

A WOMAN is believed to have fled a bus in terror after a yob let off a firework on it.  Police are now anxious to trace the woman who ran from the 306 bus from Bradley as it neared Huddersfield town centre at 10.50pm on Friday.  A 17-year-old boy from Almondbury was arrested by police and later released on police bail pending further inquiries.
The woman, who is thought to be African-Caribbean, is urged to contact PC Phil Geldart on 01484 436659.

November 12 2002, icHuddersfield - Tragedy victim `a lovely lady'

AN 84-year-old woman who died tragically in Huddersfield bus station has been described as a "lovely, quiet lady" by people who knew her.
Mrs Marie Wood died from injuries she suffered when she was knocked to the floor in the bus station at 4.30pm on Thursday.  A youth ran into her at the time a group was messing around with a firework.
Mrs Wood lived in Newsome and neighbours said she kept herself to herself.  She was an occasional attendee at Newsome Parish Church and the vicar, the Rev Ian Jackson, said: "She was a very quiet person, perhaps even a little timid. "She did come to the occasional service and also enjoyed some of our lunches which we hold on Thursdays. "I don't think she had any family in this area." He added: "Police rang a friend of hers on Friday to break the news of her death. It is a tragedy."
Police yesterday questioned two youths about the incident in the bus station.
Officers are now liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service to decide if the youths will face any charges.
A floral tribute has been left in the bus station close to the spot where Mrs Wood was knocked over.
The incident happened close to the photo booth and the Kiosk newsagents, which are both near the Macaulay Street entrance. Staff from the shop tended to Mrs Wood until paramedics arrived.

November 12 2002, icNewcastle - Firework could cost the sight in man's eye

Brave father Chris Rogers is facing an anxious wait to find out if he will regain sight in his right eye after stepping into the path of a firework to save his stepdaughter.
Mr Rogers, 51, from Cramlington was injured during an organised bonfire night display last week in Welfare Park, on Park Road, Bedlington. He was at the front of the crowd with his two grandchildren - Faye, eight, and Scott, nine - his girlfriend, Elaine, and his 15-year-old stepdaughter, Joy, when a firework shot sideways towards them.
"I just saw this fire ball shooting towards us. The rocket was going for my stepdaughter, who was leaning on my shoulder, but I shoved her out of the way and it hit me straight in the eye," said Mr Rogers.
"I'm just glad I managed to get her out of the way in time and I dread to think what would have happened if it had hit one of the younger children.  "My eye was pushed back in my head. The children were just horrified when they saw what had happened. Joy went into shock and had to be taken to hospital with me."
He was taken by ambulance to the specialist eye clinic at Newcastle's RVI Hospital.  Mr Rogers, a JCB driver with Bedlington-based Wood Valley Construction, is expecting to be off work for the next two to three weeks.

November 12 2002, icScotland - VOICE OF SCOTLAND, Ban them

I WOULD like to add my support and backing for the increasing demand for a total ban on the sale of fireworks to the public unless under strict licence for organised public displays. - John Maxwell, Hartlepool.

November 12 2002, icSouthlondon - Fireworks thrown at police officers

FIREWORKS were thrown at police and five people were arrested as trouble flared at the Peckham Rye bonfire celebrations on Tuesday. A police spokeswoman said trouble started at the end of the display, at about 8.30pm, when groups of youths started to throw fireworks around.
The police came under attack when they tried to stop the troublemakers.
One mum, who did not want to be named, took her children along to the display and said they were terrified. She added: "There were young groups of kids setting off fireworks which were bouncing off the ground. "I saw fireworks flying across the road at body height.  "All the children were very distressed. My nine-year-old daughter told me she never wants to see another firework."
Police searched several groups of youngsters and five male youths were arrested after being searched and fireworks were confiscated. Two of the youths have been charged with public order offences and have been bailed to appear at Tower Bridge magistrates' court. The three others have been bailed pending further inquiries.
A spokeswoman for Southwark council said the vast majority of people enjoyed a good night.

November 12 2002, Northants News - Letters, Spectacle spoiled by 2am fireworks

I WOULD like to congratulate the Evening Telegraph for its stand over the misuse of fireworks (ET, October 29).
Last year I wrote many letters to the Yorkshire Post and to our local councillor asking for tighter restrictions on the sale of these potentially dangerous weapons.  On Saturday, November 2, a display was held in Hall Park, Rushden, for many residents of Rushden and surrounding districts.
As I was in the town visiting my family, I noticed the huge crowds walking towards the park, raised umbrellas to protect them from the rain, with their eager and excited children dancing alongside.  Along with my brother and family I watched from the front garden of his house in St Margaret's Avenue, and I must say we enjoyed this spectacle immensely. Sadly, this was spoiled by later events.  I returned to my mother's flat in Devon Walk, where I was staying, where loud bangs and explosions were going off until 2am on Sunday.
This is an area where there are many elderly residents living both in residential and supported accommodation. Because of their age many could have been among the ones getting flashbacks to their wartime experiences.
I believe that it should be made illegal for the general public to purchase fireworks. Bonfire Night should be celebrated with organised displays such as the one in the Hall Park, where safety is the main obligation towards spectators.
Think of the animals. I am not the only person to have pets regularly traumatised at this time of year.
I agree with your words "fireworks can and should be fun - but there is an increasing case for a tougher licensing system which would restrict fireworks to organised displays and reduce the pain and misery caused by their misuse".
E. B. Withernsea, East Yorkshire

November 12 2002, Salford Advertiser, Yours briefly
EDITOR - Get your earplugs ready' Be prepared for the next two months without any peace and quiet. Yes, that's right, the fireworks are on their way I say, ban them from public sale and only have controlled firework displays.
Mr T. D. Weaste

November 12 2002, This is Devon,  Firework 'bombs' terror sparks call for shop
An Exeter councillor is to press the city council to find ways of banning the sale of fireworks after weeks of noisy displays. City councillor Connel Boyle wants only licensed parties allowed after complaints from residents that pensioners, animals and children have been frightened by private fireworks displays during the nights.
He says he has had dozens of phone calls from angry residents who support such a ban. His comments come on the back of a petition being set up by Beacon Heath residents to ban the sale of noisy fireworks.
The Echo reported claims last week that petrified city pensioners have been hiding under tables because bomb-like fireworks reminded them of the Blitz.
The latest resident to complain is 62-year-old Beacon Heath resident Diana Price.
She said her pet rabbit nearly died after a firework was thrown in her garden. She said her four cats have been terrified and says it has revived memories of the Blitz. She said: " I'm so tired and weary of it. It takes me back to a little child of five. These fireworks are like bombs."
The city council says MPs would have to change the law to allow it to ban the sale of fireworks. Cllr Boyle said: "I've had dozens of calls from people fed-up by what is going on. I have a dog who for the last three weeks has been terrorised. "My children have been woken up every night of the week by people coming home from the pub and letting off fireworks. "The last straw was when I went to the supermarket and a staff member asked if I would like to buy more fireworks for the 'firework season'. "We have lost the meaning of firework night. "Banning them would be great for public safety. "And I wonder what the noise is doing for the important areas of wildlife that border Exeter. "The advantage of doing this is that local community groups and charities can bring a sense of community to celebrate Bonfire Night rather than the chaos we are getting at the moment. "A number of local authorities are looking at how we can bring in a bylaw. "There are already a huge number of petitions going to Government but unfortunately nothing has been done. "I will be moving to have a bylaw to ban the sale of fireworks in the city of Exeter and to have firework displays at licensed events instead. "I will be putting forward this to the scrutiny committee for officers to investigate this. Then it will go to full committee in January or February."
Last year saw the highest number of firework-related injuries in England since 1967.
The pressure group All Fireworks Frighten Animals has already given a 120,000-signature petition to the Government - but so far the Government has not taken any action.
A city council spokesman said: "MPs would have to debate it in Parliament first to allow local authorities to introduce it. "We are not entirely convinced that there are sufficient problems to merit it. "It tends to be in bursts around Bonfire Night and around New Year and little bits over the summer with barbecues. It tends to be isolated incidents in Exeter. "We don't want to be killjoys and stop people having fun but we do have powers to bring action against people who persistently let them off."

November 12 2002, This is Nottingham, ROCKET ATTACK TERROR
Well thank goodness the fireworks saga is at an end.  I am in my eighties and am sure Guy Fawkes Night was not so terrifying in the past as it is today.  My house shook with a rocket coming through my toilet window, which was closed. It took out the glass. I do agree with banning them.
V. F. Sneinton

November 12 2002, This is York, Call to restrict firework sales
FEAR of fireworks is being tackled by a York councillor urging new restrictions on their sale.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Waller will today ask City of York Council to back him in asking for the changes.
They include:
Giving councils power to restrict sales to only a week before November 5 and New Year's Eve
Altering the make-up of fireworks to make them quieter
Restricting the sale of excessively noisy fireworks
Creating a licensing system to cover sellers of fireworks.
His request follows numerous complaints about noise from fireworks in the build up to bonfire night last week, and the length of time before the event that they were being set off.
Ella Hirst, who lives in Coggan Close, South Bank, York, said: "In my neck of the woods bonfire night lasts from October 15 to March 30.  "Now that there are firework displays at birthday parties, grand openings, royal visits, weddings and Bar Mitzvahs, the little darlings can't be throwing them about for months because of their novelty value. "No indeed, it's because they know just how much of a nuisance they are causing."
In the past week, the Evening Press has reported on youngsters who put fireworks in a post box in Stray Road, Burnholme, and others who threw them through the window of a house in Spalding Avenue, Clifton.
Coun Waller said: "This came up at one of my ward committee meetings when we could hear fireworks being set off outside and some of the residents started to mention their concerns. "Realistically, it is more a nuisance than anything else, particularly for the elderly, people with pets and children. But a lot of people think there should be more restrictions on their sale. "Some have said they want to see fireworks only allowed at organised shows. I think that is a bit too draconian, but I certainly think some controls need to be put in place."

November 12 2002, This is Nottingham, UP IN SMOKE... WHAT A PATHETIC WASTE OF MONEY
One year ago I wrote a letter to the Evening Post which was printed.
The letter was an attempt to express a tiny amount of the anger and exasperation I felt because of the appalling situation regarding fireworks. There were many other letters printed at the time, also expressing outrage that some people are allowed to cause such disturbance to other people and animals. The Post also began a brilliant and laudable campaign to end what is for many of us a totally unacceptable state of affairs.
Well, 12 months on and we have been treated to an action replay.
For well over a week those of us who do not enjoy disturbing our neighbours and terrifying animals and birds have had to suffer the behaviour of those that do. These people obviously see nothing wrong with spending vast amounts of money in order to experience the pleasure of explosions. Just think for a moment how this money could be better spent. There are still hungry people and abused animals in this world.
After five years in power what has the Labour Government done to end this disgrace?
It certainly looks like nothing. This is a government that has committed itself to waging war on international terrorism and yet it cannot even tackle the problem of firework abuse in its own back yard.
I'm sure many people now feel so strongly about the issue of fireworks that this will be a major factor when deciding where to cast our votes at the next General Election.
We must let our MPs know that the current state of affairs is not acceptable; the sale of fireworks must be stopped and the noise caused by so-called organised events must be limited.
We can also use our consumer power. Why shop somewhere that sells fireworks and so is a cause of this problem? I will not be spending any of my hard-earned money at pubs, garden centres and shops that contribute to this outrageous problem.
I am not going to settle for anything less than a total ban on fireworks.
I have sent a copy of this letter to my MP since it is ultimately Parliament that will have to solve this problem.
A. S. Calverton

November 11 2002, BBC NEWS, Stray firework injures 12

An investigation has been launched after 12 people suffered burns in a fireworks accident at a display in Lincolnshire.  Eleven people, aged between two to 61 years old, received hospital treatment after the accident in Holbeach on Saturday evening, but all have since been released. The display was being staged in the grounds of Holbeach Primary School.  It is believed a firework launcher went wrong and fired into the crowd.
In a statement from the school, head teacher Mike Almond offered his sympathy to those injured and their relatives. Those hurt in the incident were taken to Boston's Pilgrim Hospital for burns treatment.
None of the injuries were life threatening, a police spokesman said.
The incident is being investigated by environmental health officers in Spalding.

November 11 2002, BBC NEWS, Surgery for firework burns victims

Two women have undergone surgery in South Yorkshire after a firework exploded in front of them.
The women, aged 40 and 41, suffered extensive burns to their legs after the high-powered rocket blew up as they were out walking.   The unnamed pair from Rawmarsh, near Rotherham, were taken to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital where they are continuing to receive treatment following their operations.
South Yorkshire police said the women had been walking along Stock's Lane in Rawmarsh at approximately 2200 GMT on Sunday when they were injured.   It is not yet clear if the firework had been deliberately fired at the women or accidentally discharged. Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

November 11 2002, East Anglian Daily Times - Cash to burn - Give it to charity
Sir, - Firstly, why have these firework displays I can never understand why we commemorate this non-event.
If it had succeeded in 1605 all well and good, remember it, but to stand in the rain and watch money go up in smoke, no sir!  That money spent on displays would be better given to charity.
Way back in the 30s we never had money to waste on fireworks.
D. C. Lower Hacheston

November 11 2002, Evening Chronicle, Call to tighten Firework Controls
A big increase in the number of fireworks-related injuries has prompted a group of councillors to seek greater controls. Although this year's official figures have yet to be released, a 40 per cent rise in the Northern region last year has caused the Tyne and Wear Trading Standards Commission to press for tighter controls. The group has welcomed news that the Government is to ban air bombs and screaming rockets from 2003. But it want the crackdown to go further.
A 58 per cent rise in accidents in North East last year has been largely blamed on the use of air bombs which can be held in the hand and fired at people. The trading standards committee say this is becoming a year-long trend.
Gateshead councillor Brian Richmond said: "Fireworks are no longer confined to the few days around November 5 but are being used more and more often at other times of the year. 'We recognise they do have their place in celebrations and organised events but what we are seeing is certain types of fireworks being misused."

November 11 2002, Evening Chronicle, Support for firework ban
I SUPPORT a ban on fireworks My son's dog was being cared for by a friend while we were on holiday and while the friend was walking the little Jack Russell, in the Cramlington area, someone set a firework off in their garden, probably to celebrate a birthday.
This was October 15 and this little dog hasn't been seen since. We have searched for her but to no avail.
Whoever has this little dog will, I hope, realise she is not a stray. She is very much loved and missed by all the family.
She is a very nervous dog which hates loud noises, in the wrong place at the wrong time.
If only fireworks were for organised displays only and just for November 5 then maybe we would still have our dog. I would prefer that they were banned completely.
J. Y. Bedlington.

November 11 2002, Evening Chronicle, Vent Your Spleen
WE'VE just gone through the hell of Bonfire Night again. What kind of stupid country are we living in? Bonfire Night is mainly hijacked by yobs throwing fireworks and creating mayhem and the bangers are getting louder. It's absolutely terrible. I think it's about time that Bonfire Night was banned altogether It's costing this country millions of pounds in fire brigade costs and hospital bills.

November 11 2002, icHuddersfield - Death tragedy Two arrested
POLICE probing the tragic death of an 84-year-old woman in Huddersfield bus station today arrested two youths.
And the woman who died at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary after the incident at 4.30pm on Thursday has today been named as Marie Wood, of Newsome.
Police confirmed late this morning that they are interviewing two teenagers at Huddersfield police headquarters.
Mrs Wood died after she was knocked to the ground moments after a firework was let off on the bus station concourse.
The youth who ran into her is believed to be part of a group and police had appealed for them to come forward.
A post-mortem revealed that her death was caused by injuries suffered from being knocked over.
She was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary where she died in the early hours of Friday morning.
Her death sparked a major police inquiry.
The man in charge of the investigation, Det Chief Insp Colin Prime, said: "All I can say at this stage is that we are questioning two youths about this tragedy."

November 11 2002, icNewcastle - Call to tighten firework controls
A big increase in the number of fireworks-related injuries has prompted a group of councillors to seek greater controls.
Although this year's official figures have yet to be released, a 40 per cent rise in the Northern region last year has caused the Tyne and Wear Trading Standards Commission to press for tighter controls.
The group has welcomed news that the Government is to ban air bombs and screaming rockets from 2003. But it want the crackdown to go further.
A 58 per cent rise in accidents in North East last year has been largely blamed on the use of air bombs which can be held in the hand and fired at people.
The trading standards committee say this is becoming a year-long trend.
Gateshead councillor Brian Richmond said: "Fireworks are no longer confined to the few days around November 5 but are being used more and more often at other times of the year.
"We recognise they do have their place in celebrations and organised events but what we are seeing is certain types of fireworks being misused."

November 11 2002, icNewcastle - Vent your spleen
PLEASE, please, all newsagents, November 5 has gone, will you now stop selling fireworks? I think we've all had enough. It's worse than living through the Second World War. There must be plenty of money in the North East, though.

WE'VE just gone through the hell of Bonfire Night again. What kind of stupid country are we living in? Bonfire Night is mainly hijacked by yobs throwing fireworks and creating mayhem and the bangers are getting louder. It's absolutely terrible. I think it's about time that Bonfire Night was banned altogether. It's costing this country millions of pounds in fire brigade costs and hospital bills.

November 11 2002, icScotland - VOICE OF SCOTLAND
TO the morons that say we are spoiling their enjoyment by wanting to ban bonfire night, I'd like them to be in my living room and try to calm my two terrified dogs, even though I have heavy blankets on the windows and the TV up very loud.  An old frail neighbour had five hours of hell before she called the police. Her dogs were so stressed out they were fighting with each other.
A very stressed and angry OAP.

I TOTALLY agree with I. Bell, of Glasgow, in the hope of a ban on all fireworks for November 2003.
Since mid-September, we have had bangers fly past our windows night after night by under 10-year-olds. Most of our animals are on tranquillisers and some young babies haven't slept properly for weeks. Fireworks are definitely being sold illegally by some sick shopkeepers. -
E. M. Kirkcaldy.

November 11 2002, this is Gloucestershire,  FIREWORKS NIGHT SHOULD ONLY BE ONCE EVERY YEAR
I must write in reply to Mr Lundegaard's letter (The Citizen Thursday, November 7).
While I enjoy fireworks as much as anyone and have no objection to bonfire NIGHT if only it was one NIGHT but it seems that these days it is several months in duration and it is very difficult for people with very young children and pets.  Pets are especially vulnerable.
I feel that the situation is getting out of control, when my daughter was little you could not let off fireworks except on November 5. If that fell on Sunday it was the day before or after now it seems that we have to have all year long fireworks.
Who cares about Guy Fawkes any way - he failed. If he had won we might have something to really celebrate.
This is just a moneymaking gimmick for businesses as most children these days don't even know who he is or what he did. Please let's have a little thought and consideration for others.
MISS D. W. Stroud

November 11 2002, This is Gloucestershire,  PROFIT BEFORE PEOPLE AND PETS
Martin Kirby (The Citizen, November 4) should be congratulated for writing what many of us feel on the question of the sale of fireworks.  Why should firework manufacturers and retailers worry about the anxiety and fright it causes many elderly people and our pets. It's big bucks for them. Profit before people and pets.
My dog is petrified of fireworks and nothing I do to try and alleviate his suffering, at this time of year helps.
Of course, the "over 18" rule isn't worth the paper it is written on. As Martin says "over 18s" hand fireworks to a bunch of kids outside the shops.  It really is time a stop was put to this legalised terrorism.
Isn't it strange that handling and using explosives is a criminal act, except for once a year!
As for those uneducated, imbecilic morons who find it so funny to tie fireworks to innocent animals or push fireworks through people's letterboxes, I'd happily attach the most dangerous fireworks to them and light them myself!
S.  R.  Gloucester

November 11 2002, this is Gloucestershire, MAYBE WE HAVE MONEY TO BURN
While self-styled Gloucester businessman Graham Lundegaard berates Martin Kirby for daring to suggest fireworks are becoming a thundering nuisance, he misses the point.
I think Mr Kirby was simply echoing the thoughts of many people - while it may be OK to celebrate on November 5 and 6, living in an apparent "war zone" for 10 days each year (not to mention Christmas/New Year) shows no consideration for others.
As usual we always seem to "go over the top." Maybe it's just that we have more money to burn? Fireworks get louder, the double glazing and nerves get a hammering. Why must we put up with explosions that rock our homes?
Yes let's "enjoy" but let's be reasonable, 7am to 1am in the morning is not. Trying to inflict terror on others (particularly those on their own) and possibly their pets is not appropriate
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

November 11 2002, this is Gloucestershire, WE'RE NOT GUY FAWKES MISERIES
My blood boils as I read letters in your newspaper from firework manufacturers calling distraught people "miseries".  I have a shop and home in Seymour Road and, this year, have despaired at the misuse of fireworks.
In previous years I have had lit fireworks pushed through my shop letterbox, by idle youngsters with little else to do!  I have a two year-old son, who, like all children loves to watch them, but I would only ever take him to an organised event and cannot understand any parent who wants these explosives in their own back garden.
After all, it is cheaper and more fun to visit the Docks for the fantastic show given there, than to stay at home with a costly box of fireworks.
After putting up with this for more than a month now, the last straw was on November 5 at 10.55pm and still, they are going off above my house!  The dog barks, the baby wakes, etc, etc, etc ...
So, come on you manufacturers, have a little sympathy for those of us who live in built-up areas with pets and babies who like to sleep at night during October and November.
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

November 11 2002, This is Oxfordshire, Stray firework damages roof
Firefighters helped repair a roof, following an accident caused by a stray firework.
Fire crews from Kidlington and Oxford were called to the house in Hampden Drive, Kidlington, at about 10.20pm on Saturday, following reports that a rocket had struck the roof, after bouncing off a neighbouring house.
The large firework smashed tiles and ignited the roofing felt beneath.
When firefighters arrived, the small fire had already gone out, but firefighters used a hydraulic platform to check the house with a thermal imaging camera, and stayed behind to fix new tiles on to the damaged roof.
Assistant Divisional officer Steve Harrison of Oxfordshire Fire service said: "This was a freak accident.
"A large rocket came down, deflected off one roof and hit the neighbour's roof. It hit it with enough force to break a neighbour's roof tile and set fire to the felt underneath."

November 11 2002, This is The Black Country, Firework attack on firm
Police are hunting arsonists who pushed a burning firework through the letterbox of a Halesowen firm over the weekend.  The firework was pushed through the letterbox of Albion Water Heaters, Shelah Road, between Saturday November 9 and Monday November 11, when the damage was discovered.   There was no reported damage other than to post lying on the floor. 
Anyone with information should call police on 0121 626 8030 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

November 10 2002, Sunday Post, Fireworks
Yobs don't respect man or beast, at least where fireworks are concerned.  Last Hallowe'en my friend's Labrador, only six years old, died from a heart attack following a large explosion.  Old people, children and animals are being terrorised by thugs.  A ban must be imposed on fireworks other than at supervised displays.
Mrs M. B. Newtownards

Having just survived a supervised fireworks display which terrified animals and small children, my advice to First Minister is ban all fireworks and let us have peace in our houses.
A. M., Ayr

Surprised to read bangers were now banned along with air bombs, because the fireworks round our way are noisier than ever.  They must pose a risk to those with a weak heart.
T. M.  Grimsby

November 9 2002, Express and Star, Firework ban campaign underway
Campaigners want fireworks banned in designated areas of Wolverhampton, near old folks' homes, to protect elderly people from injury, burglary and noise pollution.
Wolverhampton Over 50's Forum is forging ahead with the scheme in the city following a massive increase in complaints from residents in sheltered accommodation and nursing homes. Vice-chairman of the pressure group, Jim Speakman, says it is extremely frightening for elderly people when youths let off fireworks indiscriminately in the streets.  It is not only dangerous and alarming for them, but they also feel it provides a perfect opportunity for criminals to break into their properties because they are not heard above the noise from fireworks.
Mr Speakman said: "If we can have alcohol banned from designated zones of the city then why can't we do the same with fireworks?   "Young people may enjoy them going off every two minutes but it's not much fun for elderly folk. The other day one of our forum members said fireworks let off near his sheltered accommodation were so loud and powerful they almost shook the foundations of his home."  He added: "We are concerned about the noise, burglaries and injuries caused by fireworks. We are all for organised displays but feel there needs to be guidelines introduced to regulate their use and sale near old people's homes."
Fire chiefs are attending the forum's next main meeting on December 18 to discuss the proposal and get it recommended by the fire service in time for next Guy Fawkes' night.
John Fyall, spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service, said: "We would certainly support any initiative which will help reduce upset, injuries and potential tragedies caused by people fooling around with fireworks during the autumn period."

November 9 2002, icHuddersfield - Death tragedy Plea to youth
POLICE probing a Huddersfield pensioner's tragic death today appealed for the youth who barged into her to come forward.  Detectives made the plea as inquiries continued after the 84-year-old woman was knocked to the ground in the town's bus station.
The youth was believed to be one of a group seen running from the bus station in Upperhead Row after a firework was set off on the concourse. Despite medical help, the woman died hours later in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. Police have not yet named her.
Detectives are combing through CCTV images taken from the bus station's cameras and from cameras in Huddersfield town centre.
They believe three or four youths were involved in the incident inside the bus station and all ran through the entrance foyer into Macaulay Street.
One ran into the woman as she made her way into the bus station, near The Kiosk.
All the youths were believed to be wearing casual clothing. Police have renewed their appeal for witnesses.

November 9 2002, icWales - Blast off
AN ASTOUNDING 99 per cent of you want tougher legislation on fireworks.
Our phone poll revealed the huge majority of readers support a campaign to curb the sale and use of the explosives.
Now Ogmore MP Huw Irranca-Davies wants you to sign his petition calling for restrictions on the times fireworks can be set off and the giving trading standards the power to strip shops of their licence if they are caught selling them to children.
The poll result follows bonfire night chaos when arsonists pushed fireworks through letterboxes in Cardiff and threw explosives at firefighters.

November 9 2002, Leeds Today, Rocket for firework mavericks
COUNCILLORS from all parties have united to back the Yorkshire Evening Post's campaign for tighter controls over the sale and use of fireworks.  Leeds City Council's Labour, Liberal Democrat, Conservative and Green groups are calling on the Government to introduce tougher restrictions.
Councillors of all parties says they are receiving a growing number of complaints about the noise and disturbances caused by fireworks being let off in the streets in the weeks around Bonfire Night.
The YEP has called for limits on the period when fireworks can be let off and a licence system for firework parties.
Coun Brian Walker, council leader, said he was well aware of the distress cause to many people by fireworks being let off in the weeks ahead of Bonfire Night.
He said: "We are working with Leeds MPs to press the Government for new legislation to reduce the period of time during which fireworks can be sold and to increase the penalties for traders selling them to those under age."
Coun Stewart Golton (Lib Dem, Weetwood) said that last year 1,362 people across the country were injured by fireworks in a four-week period around Bonfire Night - a 40 per cent increase on the previous year.
He said: "Many more will have been frightened or kept awake by indiscriminate and inconsiderate use of fireworks.
"The shocking level of firework injuries points to a breakdown in the current voluntary controls over the supply and use of fireworks. It is time for the Government to introduce tougher, compulsory controls."
Coun Andrew Carter, Tory group leader, said: "The gangs of youths which now seem to roam our streets in ever increasing numbers, many of them over the age of 18, have quite legal access to fireworks and misuse them to terrorise young and old alike. The Government should now urgently consider the licensing of fireworks and limiting their use."

November 9 2002, This is Brighton & Hove, Girl, 6, in firework horror
A six-year-old girl suffered severe burns when a firework shot out of control and landed in her hair.
The girl was sitting watching fireworks in the back garden of her Brighton home when the Roman candle flew towards her.
She was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, then the Royal Alexandra Hospital then a specialist burns unit at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, where she is due to return today.
Brighton and Hove City Council is investigating what went wrong with the firework, imported by Herefordshire firm Fireworks Factors.
Senior trading standards officer Nigel Haines hopes to test the £6.99 firework early next week.
John Nicholls, managing director of Fireworks Factors, said: "We've retested our products and everything has come up to standard. We are still investigating."

November 9 2002, This is Devon, Dog-owners' fear at bomb-style bangers
Exeter residents whose dogs were frightened by "mortar-bomb-style" fireworks are joining calls for the Government to ban them.  Youngsters have been letting-off bangers and rockets for hours each night in estates across the city including St Thomas, Beacon Heath, Pennsylvania and Exwick.  Pensioners have been left terrified while pet dogs, cats and birds have been traumatised.
The Echo reported on Wednesday how one dog died after bolting at the noise.
Many residents claim the fireworks this year are far louder than in previous years - prompting calls for action.
They are backing a petition - set up by Beacon Heath residents - to ask the Government to ban the sale of noisy fireworks to the public, unless prospective users have a license.
Paul Cann, of Wellington Road, St Thomas, said: "My German Shepherd dog Tikka shakes like a leaf. She just hates it. She would become quite snappy.  "It is not just one day anymore, it has gone on for over a week. The noise was horrendous.  "It is not fair on the animals. It goes on for days and days and days. Children are doing it.
"And these fireworks are not cheap, a rocket costs £5 on its own."
Paul Mills, also of Wellington Road, said his border collie dog is badly affected by the noise.  He said: "It goes mental and just runs around, getting nervous. It is crazy."
A pensioner of Wellington Road, who did not want to be named, said: "It has been dreadful. The fireworks have been going since Hallowe'en, every night there have been bangs.  "They start from 6pm to 7pm and go on until 11pm or 12pm. The sounds are coming from all around us. They sounded like bombs going off. It's not fair on the older people.  "We have got double glazing but can still hear it. It sounds like it is going off in your own garden. It's ridiculous.  "One lady in Churchill Road had one put through her letterbox.  "It has been going on for at least a fortnight. One night I don't mind but this is continuous. The Government needs to do something."
An Exeter City Council spokesman said environmental health bosses are asking other councils across the country what action they are taking against noisy firework users.  He said: "It is very difficult to take action.  "We don't want to be killjoys because fireworks are a joyous occasion.  "But if they were having displays night after night at very late hours then perhaps it is something we can have a look at and take action."
In yesterday's Echo, Exeter pensioners told how this year's fireworks reminded them of the Blitz.

November 9 2002, This is Lancashire, Firework plea
A BUSINESSMAN is campaigning for tighter laws on the sale of fireworks after his shop narrowly escaped serious damage in an attack.
Terry Sayer runs a travel agents in Brownhill, Blackburn, where youths posted a rocket through the letterbox.

November 9 2002, This is Nottingham, FIREWORKS NIGHT AFTER NIGHT ARE NOISE POLLUTION
The Chinese invented fireworks. They were also the first country to ban their use. Now they export them - and have regular horrendous injuries during manufacture. How long will it be until we leave the Dark Ages and follow their example?  I have lived in The Meadows for a year and a half now. I moved from a village near Cambridge.
I think that it is quite likely that, when living in the country, I would not have been able to fully sympathise with the desire to ban fireworks.  Once you are living in what feels like a war zone for a three weeks every year, one's point of view changes somewhat.
I finally understood why fireworks used to upset my dog so much in the country (where, for one night of the year, occasional distant fireworks could be heard). I am now guessing that she could hear the distant fireworks as well as I could hear them last night.  In the evening, I was trying to get on with some work. My senses were overwhelmed with bangs and screaming, people crying and dogs barking.
When I was cooking, several times I nearly dropped things as the bangs were so loud. It was as though a bomb had just exploded inside my house.  I am not a nervous person but, after a few hours of constantly jumping at the incredibly loud bangs, I noticed I was shaking, had a splitting headache and was incredibly tense.
In The Meadows the sound never stops. It is a ripple of constant bangs surrounding you.
The rain thankfully put an end to the fireworks until 3am when, unfortunately, the rain stopped and someone decided to use up their bangers. It was like 20 bombs going off inside my house one after the other. What a horrible night!
The Post is keen to ban the use of private fireworks because of the danger to others. I understand that the danger is probably the most persuasive argument to forward the ban. But I think that this is noise pollution at its worst (and being a Meadows resident, I am used to regular noise so this is not a light complaint!).
The way things are now simply cannot go on.
N. D.   The Meadows

What kind of so-called civilised society are we, allowing this unwarranted, dangerous and totally mindless ritual to be upheld?
Yes, you've guessed it, I am an animal lover and a dog owner. My dog, and I daresay many thousands of others, is absolutely terrified of fireworks, reduced to a traumatised trembling wreck. Yet still we allow these explosive devices to be freely available to the public, despite the fact that every year there are injuries, some extremely serious. Can you believe it - we actually record and publish these numbers but nothing is done to stop it!
Why can it not be stopped, retail sales to all and sundry banned. I really am no killjoy, but surely controlled public displays are wonderful and safe and should be only on November 5, not two weeks prior and two weeks following.
R. T. Nottingham

I have sat in my sitting room like so many other people, hearing bang after bang after bang for the last week.
My poor 12-year-old cat was very afraid hiding near the fridge in the kitchen, with the radio on loud to drown some of the bangs. I understood Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament on November 5, not every night for weeks, night after night as well.
When we were small it was a special day, except if it fell on a Sunday, then we had the bonfire on the Saturday or Monday. It goes on so long today that it is totally meaningless. So let's keep bonfire night special, when it should be, on November 5.  I am sure a lot of other people think the same as I do.
A. E. H. Newark

Of the many villains that disturb the peace today I would rank Guy Fawkes high on the list. For although he was hung, drawn and quartered for his crimes, he does now lie at rest, while we still have to put up with the noisy consequences of his act.  I have always enjoyed the traditional Guy Fawkes night with its colourful firework displays.  But like a lot of things that nowadays go under the name of progress, it has become a victim of excess that has been allowed to go on unrestrained.
Everything is marketable today, even our peace and quiet. Once silence was free. Now it has been replaced in all quarters by expensive noise - all up for sale with VAT added.
K. H. Basford

November 9 2002, This is York, Shouldn't be aloud
WHY can't firework night be just that, one night? I am sure I am not the only person who is sick to death of the constant noise and mess.  In my neck of the woods bonfire night lasts from October 15 to March 30!
I like a good display as well as the next person, as long as it is properly controlled and supervised.
Now that there are firework displays at birthday parties, grand openings, royal visits, weddings and Bar Mitzvahs, the little darlings can't be throwing them about for months, because of their novelty value - no indeed, it's because they know just how much of a nuisance they are causing to all and sundry.
It's time this antiquated festival was banned, after all Guy Fawkes failed to blow up Parliament - if he had succeeded I might have thought differently!
E. H.  South Bank, York.

...HOW long is a night? If it's Bonfire Night about seven weeks.
How much longer do we have to put up with this nuisance? I have no problem with people letting off pretty little ones all year round. But I am sick of selfish people with their air bombs, and screechers.
Ban the sale of fireworks to the public. It's now November 7 and I still have no chance of reading the Evening Press in peace and quiet.
P. W. Rawcliffe, York.

November 8, 2002, Ayrshire Post, Fireworks for the Fifth only
I'm writing to let everyone know of my anger at people setting off fireworks and bangers before and after November 5. Bonfire night is one night of the year, but people are still setting them off before the fifth, and in broad daylight as well. Thanks to the culprits, my little dog Nakita and others, I'm sure, will not go out the house at all unless we drag her into the car, and if she hears one while in the field, she'll run straight back home or to the car and starts trembling.
Even on bonfire night, we have had to give her a light sedative or she'll become a nervous wreck. It makes me so angry that there's nothing I can do for her. I wish they were banned until the night. So leave the fireworks till the fifth and stop terrorising our pets.
A very angry S. O. (aged 15), Craigie, Ayr

November 8, 2002, Ayrshire Post, Ban Bangers
Labour two back plans to curb sale of high-volume fireworks
Two leading local politicians are joining forces to back plans for a curb on fireworks, and, if they are successful, it could lead to complete ban on high-volume 'air bombs'.
Labour's George Foulkes and Cathy Jamieson are backing plans to make dangerous 'pocket money' fireworks illegal.
Measures to be implemented by amendments to the 1987 Consumer Protection Act 1987, following consultation early next year, will include:
Stopping the supply of air bombs.
Ensure no fireworks exceed 120 decibels.
Limit the supply of noisy fireworks to larger higher cost products and packs.
Limit the supply of smaller rockets.

Initially there will be a voluntary code that has been agreed with the fireworks industry from January 1, 2003, that will include the measures outlined earlier
Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MP Foulkes said: "We all want to enjoy the fireworks season, but too often this time of year is blighted by problems of fireworks misuse, noise and nuisance.  "The police have my support on cracking down on this anti-social behaviour"
MSP Ms Jamieson added: "Always remember, fireworks are explosives and can cause serious harm.  "It was highlighted recently in the Scottish Parliament that some retailers are encouraging people to purchase fireworks out-with the 'bonfire night' season.  "I am particularly concerned about the welfare of vulnerable people and I know the SSPCA are concerned about the effect fireworks can have on pets and wildlife."

November 8, 2002, Ayrshire Post, COPS LIFT FIREWORKS HOOLIGANS
Terrified passengers choked back thick black smoke when a thug let off a firework on a busy bus.  More than 30 people were evacuated in one of the worst incidents involving fireworks reported to South Ayrshire police. Five people have been arrested, four of them adults, in separate incidents across the county in the past week.
Police revealed that they have been investigating a catalogue of incidents that included fireworks shoved through letterboxes in the dead of night at houses in Dundonald and Ayr.  They also said the driver of the bus travelling to Maybole and Girvan was forced to pull over at Minishant when he heard a loud bang, shortly after 5pm on Monday.  The bus was taken away for emergency repairs after it was cleared of its shocked passengers. Police are pursuing a positive line of enquiry.  A 31-year-old man is among the five reported to the Procurator Fiscal, accused of setting off a firework in Whitletts Road in broad day light.
Another thug threw a firework out of the window of a house in Nelson Place, Ayr, on to the street below.
And a schoolboy lit a rocket which flew across the street in Hayhill. The youth has been reported to the Children's Panel.
The window of another house in Afton Court, Ayr, was smashed by a flying firework last Wednesday night, and an 18-year-old man was arrested in Maidens on Sunday afternoon for letting off fireworks in the village car park.
South Ayrshire's police chief Superintendent Brian Ferries warned: It is just by sheer luck we have not had a serious injury in the last few weeks.  "I am concerned about the number of adults who have been involved in these reckless acts."  Police are urging the public to continue to be vigilant, and appeal to shopkeepers not to sell fireworks to anyone they suspect may use them dangerously.

November 8, 2002, Daily Mirror, Bang out of order
I agree fully with Mark Brown's call for a total ban on the sale of fireworks to the public.
We have had several weeks of these idiots setting off fireworks and most of these were right outside homes.
A few years ago some idiots put some through our letter box, which exploded.  I now have to screw up the letter box for bonfire night.
I would restrict fireworks to the professional at regulated displays.
I would also like to see tough laws introduced to heavily fine or even jail, anyone selling illegal fireworks.
R. B. Livingstone

November 8 2002, Evening Chronicle, Vent Your Spleen
I really wish Guy Fawkes had put his explosives under Fawdon in Newcastle.  What an absolute toilet we've had to live in this last three weeks.  We've had noisy fireworks, bangers and the like and keeping animals safe and reassured has been a nightmare.  Who is buying these fireworks and bangers and, more importantly, who is selling them.  For goodness sake, let's do something about it next year.
Re fireworks.  I'm 78, my wife is 75 and oh it's nice to be alive.  We're sitting in our bungalow and it's bang, bang.   There they go.  Why doesn't someone stop this terrible night that sends old people and animals in corners in fright.  Only because it's money-making.  Please someone somewhere pronounce this night at an end, you will be ours and the firemen's friends.

November 8 2002, Express and Star,  Fireworks blamed for missing dog
A Black Country dog-owner has hit out at over-the-counter sales of powerful fireworks, which she claims are a menace to pets.  Debbie Pyatt, of Franchise Street, Wednesbury, blames the sale of display-size fireworks in shops for the disappearance of her pet dog, Molly.   The three-year-old Jack Russell cross bitch vanished from the back garden of her home on Wednesday.
Mrs Pyatt said she is convinced that the super-loud bangs from large fireworks being let off in the street terrified Molly into running away.   "The fireworks are pretty bad every year, but the ones they're letting off this year are far too loud. They sound like bombs going off," said Mrs Pyatt.   "They might be okay at big displays, but I think it's disgusting that they are being sold over the counter in shops.
Her comments come just days after MP Adrian Bailey launched a campaign in Wednesbury to clamp down on the use of fireworks.  The MP for West Bromwich West aims to collect thousands of signatures for a petition to be presented to Downing Street in the New Year.
Anyone with information about Molly's whereabouts should contact Mrs Pyatt on 0121 531 5316.

November 8 2002, Express and Star,  Traders trapped in blitz on illegal sales
Traders across Staffordshire are still selling fireworks and booze to underage teenagers despite repeated warnings from trading standards officers.   A recent crackdown by the county council's consumer services department discovered youngsters aged 15 were able to get their hands on both products.   Working in conjunction with trading standards officers, the undercover youngsters visited shops in Stafford, Cannock, Rugeley, South Staffordshire and Cheadle as part of the operation.
Four out of 13 shops sold alcohol to the 15-year old volunteers, and one out of six sold fireworks.
Councillor Robert Simpson, service leader for consumer services and environment, said although the results were an improvement on the last operation, there were still too many traders selling to under-age children.  "Fireworks and alcohol can both be misused by young people at this time of year," he said. "Together they are a potent mixture which can lead all too quickly to horrific injuries. "I urge all young Staffordshire citizens to think twice before lighting fireworks and to never mix alcohol and fireworks."
Councillor Simpson said both products were only available to people aged 18 or over, and all traders should know this.  He said officers regularly gave out messages about under-age selling, and if traders were uncertain they should not sell.  "The message is if you sell alcohol or fireworks to children under 18 you are committing an offence and eventually you will be caught," he said.  "We will continue carrying out these spot checks.
"Always ask for their age and proof of it, there are several cards around which prove someone's age."
Councillor Simpson said officers were now considering whether to prosecute the shopkeepers who sold goods illegally.

November 8 2002, icBirmingham - Firework terror on bus
A packed single-decker bus had to be given a police escort after schoolchildren let off a firework, forcing shocked passengers to scatter. Amazingly, no-one was injured in the frightening drama in Willenhall yesterday which the bus company branded an "act of madness".
No arrests were made but Travel West Midlands spokesman Phil Bateman said today that such acts of "hooliganism" could result in someone being killed or maimed and appealed for help to catch the culprits.
The 341 Travel West Midlands service was in Ashmore Lake Road shortly before 3.30pm, packed with school children and a few adults, youngsters on the back seat let off the firework.  Mr Bateman said that most of the children on board at the time were from Pool Hayes Community School in Castle Drive, Willenhall.
He said the driver pulled over, called for assistance and would not continue his journey without support.
So police called to the scene escorted the bus into Willenhall where the passengers got off.
Mr Bateman said: "This was an act of madness. Not only did these young fools put themselves at risk but they put their friends, other passengers and other road users at risk as well. "Acts of hooliganism of this sort will one day cause a child or another passenger to be maimed or worse. "This was not a prank, it was verging on criminality." He said he was disappointed police had been unable to arrest anyone and appealed for information which could identify the culprit to be passed on to police.
He added: "If we can get reliable information we would consider a prosecution. "In the meantime, I am just grateful that there were no injuries to either passengers or staff."
Pool Hayes head teacher Jim Clarke said he was trying to find out who was on the bus and who was responsible.
He said: "If I can identify the culprit I will pass the details on to the bus company and the police."
Anyone with information is asked to call 0845 1135000 and ask for police at Willenhall.

November 8 2002, icCoventry - Bylaw bid to stop firework menace
Council chiefs are to ask deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to make Coventry the first city to have a bylaw banning fireworks from being let off at all hours.  The authority yesterday gave the go ahead for the unique request to stop firework use between 11pm and 7am - apart from on New Year's Eve.
The call comes after a massive public outcry about dangerous fireworks being let off all night for months on end.
On Bonfire Night this week youths caused havoc by hurling fireworks at cars and fire engines in the early hours. People across the city reported being kept awake.
Cllr John McNicholas, cabinet member for environment and transport, yesterday gave approval for the bid to go ahead and the council will now draft a request to the office of the deputy prime minister in the next two weeks.
It is hoped provisional approval will be granted within 30 days.
The bylaw could be operational within four to six months with offenders liable for a fine up to £500.
Alongside the bylaw request the council will also write to the secretaries of state for the Home Office and the DTI, calling for the banning of sales of Category 3 fireworks to the public.
Category 3 includes some of the noisier and larger fireworks which require a 25-metre exclusion zone. The council wants them sold only to licensed and qualified display organisers.
As he gave approval for the by law bid, Cllr McNicholas (Lab, Lower Stoke) described one huge Category 3 firework found in a school playing field yesterday as an "unguided missile".
He asked the public to help him gather more evidence on the fireworks that are legally sold to the public to add weight to his calls for them to be restricted to licensed displays.
The remains of the firework found yesterday in the grounds of Styvechale Primary School fell comfortably within the British Standard weight, despite the debris including a metal case.
Cllr McNicholas said: "It is apparently legal and I find that astonishing." Officers are investigating the weight and force the firework could have reached and Cllr McNicholas called for people to give him evidence of similar firework fallout.

November 8 2002, icHuddersfield - Woman dies yobs hunted
AN 84-year-old woman has died after she was knocked over by a yob in Huddersfield bus station.
The youth is thought to have been running away after a firework exploded in the station yesterday teatime.
The woman was knocked to the ground and the youngster fled.
The woman - who has not yet been named - was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
Sadly, she died early this morning and a major inquiry has been launched by a team of detectives in Huddersfield.
The tragedy happened at 4.30pm, when the bus station was very busy, and police today urged witnesses to come forward.
Det Chief Insp Colin Prime, head of Huddersfield CID, said: "A group of youths were misbehaving with a firework, which went off.
"After that happened, it is believed one of the group turned to run away, but in doing so collided with the woman."
He said information about the youths was still being collated. A description of them was not being issued yet.
Police are viewing security videos to pinpoint the gang.

November 8 2002, icSouthlondon - Fireworks thrown at police officers
FIREWORKS were thrown at police and five people were arrested as trouble flared at the Peckham Rye bonfire celebrations on Tuesday.  A police spokeswoman said trouble started at the end of the display, at about 8.30pm, when groups of youths started to throw fireworks around.  The police came under attack when they tried to stop the troublemakers.
One mum, who did not want to be named, took her children along to the display and said they were terrified.
She added: "There were young groups of kids setting off fireworks which were bouncing off the ground. "I saw fireworks flying across the road at body height. "All the children were very distressed. My nine-year-old daughter told me she never wants to see another firework."
Police searched several groups of youngsters and five male youths were arrested after being searched and fireworks were confiscated.  Two of the youths have been charged with public order offences and have been bailed to appear at Tower Bridge magistrates' court. The three others have been bailed pending further inquiries.
A spokeswoman for Southwark council said the vast majority of people enjoyed a good night.
She added: "There were more than 7,000 people at the event and we've had a lot of positive comments from people about the night.  "We're sorry to hear about a small group who tried to ruin it."

November 8 2002, NEWBURYNET, Lions will review PA provision after firework hits young mum's face
A YOUNG mother says that she was left shaking and upset after a firework struck her face as she watched an organised display with her family.
Mrs Samantha Clowes was holding her five-month-old daughter Jaime, when a case which had contained the explosives fell from the sky and hit her cheek. The two-inch case caused swelling and redness below her eye and she received medical treatment from the Red Cross at the Newbury Racecourse event.    Mrs Clowes, aged 22, said that she alerted the organisers to what had happened and asked them to move the crowds back but they took no action.  She had gone to the display, organised by the Newbury Lions Club, last Saturday evening with her husband James and their family.  "I was just stood there looking up at the colours of the fireworks when one hit me in the face," she said. "The instant it hit me it felt like a bee sting and it went red."
The family had been standing about 70 metres away from where the fireworks were set off by Pains, a Wiltshire-based company that specialises in staging big events.
Mrs Clowes, of Russell Road, Newbury, was concerned that other spectators would be hit and asked the organisers to move people back but she said that Lions Club members failed to warn people about the risks.
President of the Newbury Lions, Mr Neil Jackson, said he would be writing to the family to apologise: "I spoke to the lady and I went down to the site and there was a bit of ash coming across. I asked everybody if they were okay. It was not as if I was not taking any notice."
He said that the weather had changed suddenly and that he tried to issue a warning about hot ash from the KickFM bus, which provided music for the event. Managing director of KickFM Mr Paul Allan said that they were unable to interrupt the broadcast because it was coming live from the studio in Bone Lane. In an emergency, a phone link to the firework team would have stopped the display. The fireworks committee would discuss what happened and decide if a tannoy system was needed next year.

November 8 2002, The West Cumberland Times and Star, 'ROCKET ATTACK ON OUR HOME WAS DELIBERATE'
A WOMAN was forced to dive for cover when a firework blasted through the dining room window of her home in Maryport.
Nancy Johnstone, of Mill Street, was ironing when the rocket smashed through the window, scattering glass everywhere, and landed close to where she was standing.  When it exploded, the room quickly filled with smoke, bits of paper and the smell of gunpowder.  Her husband, town councillor Tony, told the Times & Star: "I was in another room when I heard my wife scream. "I came rushing through to the dining room to see what was wrong. My wife was crouched on the floor. It was terrifying."
Mrs Johnstone was so upset by the incident that she had Monday off work.  The family cat, which was in the same room, was found in the cellar about an hour afterwards, still trembling with fear.
About an hour before the terrifying incident, which happened at 7.50pm on Sunday, Mr Johnstone had gone to the nearby Mill Street car park to talk to about 10 teenagers who were holding rockets in their hands, lighting them and firing them in every direction. He was given a mouthful of abuse and one teenager threatened to aim a rocket at him, he added.
Mr Johnstone believes the rocket attack was deliberate. "We have had weeks of this behaviour. I complained about it at the last Maryport Town Council meeting.  "Organised fireworks displays are one thing but I have watched teenagers deliberately firing rockets at cars; the animals in the area are terrified. It has been awful," he said.
Mill Street has become a favourite meeting place for young people since a new walkway was opened and bad behaviour is becoming fairly routine. Mr Johnstone said he called police at 6.45pm to initially report the group but there was no response.
He called again after the rocket attack. Police then stopped five youngsters on Senhouse Street, none of whom were carrying fireworks or matches.
Sergeant Brian Gorman said any complaint about the way they handled the situation would be investigated.
In the meantime, he wants anyone with information about the group or the "serious" incident to contact him on 01900 602422.

November 8 2002, This is Bradford, Town wants clampdown on fireworks
SKIPTON could lead the way in curbing the irresponsible use of fireworks. The fact that bonfire night and the sale of fireworks now seems to last from early October until the end of November is causing great distress to many residents and animals.
Town councillors blamed the problems on the fact that it is too easy for children to get hold of fireworks.  They said some irresponsible youngsters did not think about the consequences of the unexpected loud bangs and did not understand how they could frighten other residents and animals.
Skipton police began receiving complaints about fireworks on October 12 and to date have had 25 reports.
These ranged from elderly residents frightened of the loud bangs to complaints about noise and youths throwing fireworks.  Councillors have also received complaints from residents in their own wards and they agreed that something should be done.
Coun Paul Whitaker suggested that a by-law could be introduced requiring anyone who wanted to have a firework party, at any time of the year, to get permission first.  He suggested that this would then give police power to clampdown on youngsters letting off fireworks for no particular reason.
Members agreed to talk to the police to see if a by-law would be feasible.
Coun Paul English said he thought local traders had signed up to a voluntary code of conduct restricting the sale of fireworks to the week either side of bonfire night.  But he added that it had obviously not worked as fireworks were still getting into youngsters' hands, weeks before bonfire night. They then set them off in residential areas at all times of night and day.
Under the proposed scheme, residents and pet owners could make arrangements if they knew when organised firework parties were going to take place. "I don't want to stop people having their own parties but I do want to stop fireworks getting into the wrong hands," Coun English added.  "When fireworks are going off for no particular reason a lot of people do find it distressing."
As the law stands at the moment it is an offence to throw a firework in a public place and it is an offence to sell a firework to someone under the age of 18. However, officers have no powers to arrest an offender just to summon them to appear in court. It is not an offence for someone under 18 to buy or possess fireworks.
Coun English questioned the need to allow shops, like the one on Belmont Bridge, to come along and open up for a month just to sell fireworks.  He said the owners made a quick profit and then would probably just shut up shop, contributing nothing to the town.
Coun Sandra Turner asked who had issued the licence to the shop allowing it to sell fireworks.

November 8 2002, This is Devon,  Blitz flashbacks prompt muffle bid on mega bangers
Exeter pensioners were sent scuttling for cover after 'bomb-like' fireworks brought back memories of the Blitz.
They say they endured up to seven nights of extra-loud bangers and rockets which exploded near their homes and lit up the night sky.  Their pets were also left trembling. The Echo reported on Wednesday how several stray dogs, which had apparently bolted in fear, had been found. One died after it ran into the path of a car.
Now a petition has been set up to demand that the Government bans the sale of noisy fireworks to the public.
Petition organiser Sue Shephard, 50, of Beacon Heath, said several of her pensioner friends phoned up 'absolutely petrified' at the noises.  She said: "They seemed like bombs. I have never heard firework noises like it.  "One lady was 92 and she phoned up at 11pm in tears. I had to calm her down but she didn't sleep.  "She said she hopes she is not alive next year to go through it again.  "It is bringing back memories for those in the war - one lady got underneath the table.  "Another thought her electricity had blown up.  "They were too scared to look out of their windows.  "I don't mind small firework displays with pretty colours but I think the sale of these banging fireworks should only be to those with a licence.  "Everyone I speak to feels the same.  "It will end up with someone dying of shock unless something is done."
Violet Edmonds, 86, of St Leonard's said: "I thought it was terrible, I think they should ban them altogether. They terrify older people.  "I didn't sleep on Monday. I thought they were going to put them through my letterbox.  "People don't want reminding of being in the war."
Betty King, 83, of Starcross, said: "I lived through the London Blitz and this was like that.  "It has now gone over the top. This is not fair to the animals or to the elderly.  "It is terrible, it really is. I really think that something has to be done. It has been over a week or so, they have huge bangs."
Liz Agar said: "My parrot Horace was left terrified. He has been shaking and has gone off his food since the fireworks.  "A neighbour lost his pigeon after it flew off during the noise. "People are making millions out of the fireworks but so many people are suffering. We are getting them all year round."
In recent months, other residents have been complaining about noisy late-night fireworks being launched throughout the city, including Exwick and St Thomas.
City councillor Joan Morrish said the situation needed looking at, if the fireworks are getting louder.
She said: "No one wants to stop fun but it does seem to be going over the top.  "We have had it for 10 days or more and people are getting slightly irritated. Some people have said to me that it seems to go on and on."

November 8 2002, This is Devon, Families Flee From Fireworks Terror
Horrified parents ran for safety as a public fireworks display exploded into chaos.  Families ran for cover when fireworks began shooting in all directions after they were thrown on to the display's bonfire.  And yesterday, council officers were investigating the events surrounding the display at the Ilfracombe football club ground.
One Ilfracombe resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "It was windy and damp that night. Some of the fireworks had gone off, but the last one didn't work."  He added: "It was the grand finale and an announcement came over the tannoy saying they were going to throw it on the bonfire.  "We were asked to move half way back, but they didn't put the floodlights on so parents could find their kids.  "Some of the stewards were saying not to do it, but someone stood behind an old door and started lobbing fireworks on the bonfire.  "There were lots of families and kids. There were fireworks everywhere, coming at you from all angles - it was a total nightmare.
"I was stunned, I couldn't believe what had happened. I have been to the displays in the past that were very successful, but no one has ever been that irresponsible."
Town resident Steve Phillips said his young daughter was so frightened by the event she did not want to go to another bonfire night party.  Mr Phillips said: "It undermines all you say to your children. It was a freak of luck that no one was injured."
Another angry parent who was there with her 15-year-old son said: "It was like a war zone out there."  "My son, who's 15, thought it was funny. What sort of an example does it set to teenagers? There were rockets going right across the pitch into the crowd and little kids screaming."
Seventeen-year-old Ilfracombe College student Tasmin Trump said: "People were hiding behind the shelters and shielding themselves from the low flying fireworks. Thankfully no one was hurt, but the fact remains that we were all put in immense danger."
North Devon District Council environmental health manager Jeremy Mann said: "People who attended the event have raised safety concerns to us regarding the firework display held at Ilfracombe football ground on Sunday.
"As a result the matter is under investigation and we would invite people to contact us with information regarding the event."
Despite repeated attempts by the Journal no one from Ilfracombe Football Club was available to comment.

November 8 2002, This is Gloucestershire, FIREWORK NEARLY HIT MY POOR DOG
Animal-lover Tracey Buhlmann has called for a ban on fireworks - except on Bonfire Night.  The 41-year-old from Abbeymead, Gloucester, is angry that people in the area are letting off rockets and bangers at all times and not just on November 5. 
Her anger was sparked by a rocket which she said nearly hit Rolf, her English springer spaniel, last weekend. 
"If fireworks were only let off on one night of the year then everybody would know where they stand so they could make sure that all their pets are indoors," said Mrs Buhlmann.  "At the moment you never know when they are going to be let off and should definitely not be released in built-up areas."
Mrs Buhlmann says if the rocket had hit one of their three rabbit hutches then they could have lost all their rabbits because the hutches have a plastic roof. Her husband Simon was with Rolf when the firework came flying into the garden.  The couple want people to be aware that animals can become petrified during the loud bangs and noise coming from the fireworks.  "We asked the council what can be done about unannounced firework parties and hopefully something can be done," she said.
Mrs Buhlmann's city councillor, Andrew Gravells, has asked both the county and city councils about what could be done in situations like hers.  "This sort of anti-social behaviour by a minority of people is totally unacceptable," said the Abbey ward councillor.  "I hope the Government will soon take steps to both limit the period in which fireworks can be sold and also give local authorities more powers to act in cases like this one," added Coun Gravells.

November 8 2002, This is Lancashire, 'Get tough , Firework plan 'not tough enough'
AN MP has called on a minister to bring in more restrictions on the sale of fireworks.
Speaking in the Commons, David Crausby, MP for Bolton North East, told Melanie Johnson, Under-Secretary for Trade and Industry, that Government proposals did not go far enough. He said: "The menace caused by fireworks increases year on year. Will the minister consider legislation, not voluntary codes, to restrict severely the retail of fireworks?"
Melanie Johnson said they would have to see how effective the new measures were. "We are making air bombs illegal, introducing fixed-penalty notices, tackling the co-ordination of intelligence and encouraging councils to take steps," she said. 

November 8 2002, This is Lancashire, Hooligans keep 999 services busy
FOUR people, including two children, were injured when a car full of yobs hurled fireworks into a crowded Bonfire Night party.
And shortly before the incident at the Church Inn in Spring Street, Bury, firefighters had to call for police protection when they were bombarded with missiles while putting out a dangerous bonfire in nearby Shepherd Street.
The pub drama occurred shortly before 9pm when a car carrying three Asian males drove past the Church Inn and two or three large fireworks were hurled into the beer garden. At the time, around 30 people were enjoying a bonfire and fireworks display organised by the pub. As a result two adults and two children suffered minor flash burn injuries which required hospital treatment. The eye-witness said: "Everyone was enjoying themselves when this car pulled up near the pub. Three young men were inside the car and then they threw two or three fireworks into the crowd. "There were a number of children at the event and they were frightened. Four people, including two children, suffered flash burns and they went to hospital for a check-up. Everyone was fuming about what had happened. "The injuries caused were thankfully minor but it could have been a lot worse."
The registration number of a Vauxhall Astra car was passed on to the police and investigations are continuing into the incident.
At 7.20pm on Tuesday, a fire crew from Heywood was called out to a back alley in nearby Shepherd Street to deal with a dangerous bonfire built too close to houses. As firefighters tackled the burning pile of wood, a number of Asian youngsters hurled stones and other missiles at them. They were forced to call for police back-up but yobs had fled before officers arrived. PC John Flowers, of Bury's operational police unit, confirmed the incidents and said efforts were ongoing to try and trace the occupants of the Astra car.
A MOTHER feared for the safety of her nine-year-old son after firework vandals bombed a van outside her house. Young thugs threw a "super firework" into the parked van shortly before midnight on Saturday.  The industrial-strength firework immediately exploded in the VW vehicle blowing out all of its windows and buckling the body work.
Fire crews were called to the scene in Dalebeck Close, Whitefield, and extinguished a blaze which had started in the front passenger seat.
Mum Mrs Carol Norman was just on her way to bed at around 11.50pm when she heard a car alarm going off.
She said: "I looked out of the window upstairs and saw two lads messing with the van and shouted."  The next thing there was a massive explosion and I thought the van had completely blown up. My first thought was to wake up my son and get us both out of the house to safety."
Fearing the fire would spread to other vehicles parked in the cul-de-sac, the pair ran to a friend's house while neighbours contacted the emergency services.
She said: "I spent the night there instead of at home. I'm all right now but it was very frightening at the time. I was concerned in case the other cars blew up." The van was a work vehicle used by her husband, Alan, who was out for the evening. Alan, who works for Translift as a fork-lift truck repairer and fitter, said the vehicle would probably be written off due to the damage. He said: "It was a brand new van, I'd only had it about five months. The firework has blown the windows clean out and there is a huge hole in the inside of the passenger door."

November 8 2002, This is Lancashire, Horror of hair fire
A WOMAN narrowly escaped losing her sight after a gang of thugs hurled a firework in her face.
Pervaz Bashier, 49, was getting out of the car near her Fishwick Parade home on Tuesday when she was hit by a rocket firework. The explosive device struck the mum-of-five in the head, ripping out clumps of her hair. Part of her left ear was singed and her face was badly burnt. "I'm lucky not to be blind," Mrs Bashier said. "Both my eyes would have been gone if I had been looking up."
Police are investigating and intend to speak to the part-time teacher and her family.
Mrs Bashier had just got out of the car to help guide her daughter Sonia into a parking space at 7.30pm.
Sonia, 21, a student at the University of Central Lancashire, said: "There were two gangs in the street, throwing fireworks at each other, one of the long rockets hit my mum on the head and she couldn't get it out of her hair.
"It was very frightening and she was getting burnt."
Mrs Bashier was treated at the Royal Preston Hospital's accident and emergency department. Despite Mrs Bashier's horrific injuries Sister Sarifa Kabir, from the Preston hospital's casualty department, said there had been few firework-related incidents this year in the lead-up to Bonfire Night, with only ten patients coming to casualty department in Preston over the last couple of weeks.
Although the fire service received a total of 438 calls across the county on Bonfire Night, John Taylor, from Lancashire Fire and Rescue, said, generally, people had heeded safety messages.
The police have had a number of incidents of fireworks smashing through people's windows.
A firework damaged a window at the residential care home Ainsdale House, Ashton, and another property was damaged in Blackpool Road.

November 8 2002, This is Lancashire, I'd put out fireworks free-for-all
THE sound of silence is deafening. Apart from the odd lone bang, followed by a burst of colour showering the night sky, all is quiet. All is calm. These past weeks leading up to Bonfire Night have been a nightmare. Apart from the obvious dangers that fireworks bring, they are nothing more than a nuisance. And it's not my age that makes me say things like 'they should be banned,' because even as a kid I thought they should be banned.
It's just that I was too afraid to say it to my peers for fear of being ridiculed.
And having an air-bomb repeater stuffed down my trousers.
Walking down the usually serene streets of Lancashire recently has been like treading through a war zone.  I have lived in constant fear of being struck by a wayward rocket, set off by the hordes of youths, who somehow think throwing incendiary devices is fun. Every time an explosion went off above my head, I jumped, wondering where the enemy was stationed. Although they can be heard, they cannot be seen.  And the culmination came on Tuesday as all the shops and supermarkets slashed the prices in one last push to get rid of them.
The neighbourhood became more like Beirut than Blackburn as a continued onslaught of gunpowder rained down.
From behind the curtains, flashes of light peeked through, and one firework (obviously thrown a little too close to our window) made the glass rattle.
Any thoughts of rushing out to reprimand the rogues, was soon dispelled in case I was met with a face-full of fireworks.  Organised displays are fine.  I went to one on the Saturday before, which mixed culture with tradition. As expensive devices shot up into the air (nice to know my Council Tax is being spent on something useful) classical music was pumped through the speakers dotted around the field.  It was a grand sight which had an even grander finale to the strains of Land and Hope and Glory. It almost made you feel proud. Almost.
But it could have been so different. The first sounds to come through the speakers sounded awfully like a guitar -- or a cat being strangled. And then a powerful spotlight picked out a figure perched on high, guitar in hand, dressed in white.
And before you could say "what the Bryan May," he had started to pluck the national anthem, with all the earnest he could muster. Whether he had got lost on the way to Buckingham Palace - where the real Queen guitarist launched Her Majesty's Jubilee celebrations this summer - was never tackled.
As everyone looked on bemused, he went on to murder Jimi Hendrix before being drowned out by We Will Rock You on the sound system, and the first fireworks began.
Fireworks in that context I can deal with, but as for personal use, I am right behind the police chiefs and fire chiefs who want to see them banned.
They are dangerous to both the public and those who handle them.
I don't personally know anyone that has been harmed by fireworks - for which I am grateful - but there was a case last week where a teenager had his hand blown off. Last year who could forget the Burnley teenager who tragically lost his life.
Fireworks are OK in certain circumstances, but the sooner they are taken off the streets the better!

November 8 2002, This is Lancashire, Pal saves blast boy
TEENAGER Stuart Hamilton escaped death by inches after his hand was blown off by a firework.
The 15-year-old's arm was wrapped in a makeshift bandage by a friend who carried him 500 yards from the grounds of Elton High School to a car which took him to Fairfield General Hospital .  His father, James Hamilton, of Green Street, Elton, spoke of his anguish after a 48-hour vigil at the bedside of his son in Wythenshawe Hospital, where he had been transferred for specialist treatment.  He said: "Stuart's hand was blown off at the wrist. Doctors said the blast was as powerful as a landmine going off. "Had he been holding the firework six inches higher he would have blown his head off." The force of the industrial-strength firework also left Stuart, thought to be a former pupil at the school, with third degree burns to his chest, flash burns to his eyes and perforated ear drums. It had been feared, at one stage, that he could have lost a further part of his right arm.
As reported in Tuesday's Bury Times, one of his severed fingers was found by staff at the school in Walshaw Road last Friday morning. The accident happened around 10pm the previous night.
Rescuer Aaron Williams (15) of Warwick Close, Bury, was praised by Mr Hamilton for tying a tourniquet around Stuart's shattered limb and helping him to a friend's car. "Aaron saved my son's life," said Mr Hamilton. "He must have been in shock himself but he had the presence of mind to put a tourniquet on Stuart's arm and then physically carried him to a waiting car and got him to hospital. "Stuart will be in hospital for at least two more weeks but he is finally off the morphine and making a good recovery." But Mr Hamilton added: "However, there are fears he could suffer mentally as a result of the accident. "He doesn't know what happened and can't remember where he got the firework from."
Mr Hamilton is now warning other youngsters of the dangers of playing with fireworks. He said: "As a lad I played with bangers, but they were nothing like what we have around today. You couldn't get hold of industrial fireworks. "The one that maimed my son was as powerful as a landmine. "I implore teenagers to keep well clear and certainly never return to a firework once it has been lit." Thirteen windows were broken in one classroom. Bury police are still investigating the incident and are keen to hear from any witnesses.

November 8 2002, This is Somerset, RSPCA CAMPAIGN AGAINST PUBLIC FIREWORKS USE
Across mid-Somerset during the past couple of weeks, the night skies have been filled with the flashes and sounds of fireworks. Displays were organised for both last and this coming weekend, but the majority of fireworks are let off from people's back gardens.
But now a national charity have launched a campaign which they hope will see fireworks banned from public use in the future.  The RSPCA have said rockets, bangers and the plethora of other items now on sale should be restricted to organised displays.  In a statement this week they said the majority of people felt fireworks going off in their towns and villages had a harmful effect on both pets and people.
The launch of the campaign follows a survey commissioned by the RSPCA and carried out by the research institute, MORI.  It showed that 71 per cent of those questioned thought loud fireworks should be banned from public use. This sentiment was backed by 78 per cent of adult RSPCA members and 87 per cent of their junior counterparts.  The RSPCA's regional manager, Jonathan Silk, said the public had a right to be concerned about the use of fireworks. "We are always horrified by the number of animals brought to us for emergency care as a result of firework injuries, " he said.  "Last year 4,825 animals were treated, prescribed sedatives or both, because they were so terrified following a firework-related incident.  "But at the same time the society recognises that people in the UK enjoy holding and attending firework displays.  "We would encourage them to attend public events where possible and would welcome any effort by the firework industry to reduce the noise levels produced by fireworks for public use.  "If quieter fireworks are used responsibly, we hope people would still be able to enjoy the spectacle without the cost to pets and wildlife." The RSPCA are urging any animal owners worried about their pets to seek advice from their regular vets.

November 8 2002, This is Worcestershire, We're not deaf!
ISN'T it time some fireworks were banned for noise pollution?
Most kinds have at least the merit of spectacular visual display but on Saturday, November 2, people in or near the Craig Lea estate (Tomato-lands) west of the Pickersleigh Road were subjected to a series which comprised only especially hideous noise and flashes of brilliant light.
I took them for war simulators, meant to intimidate or annoy and activated by people with serious degrees of sensory impairment. Most of us do not have cloth ears so why should we be attacked by those who do? Malvern seems particularly full of firework addicts so can we please have some control on the noise they make.
M. T. Malvern.

November 8 2002, West Cumberland Times and Star, IS IT TIME TO FORGET THE FIFTH
GUY Fawkes Night on Tuesday was one of the noisiest that many people locally can remember. The bangs, whizzes and pops started even before it went dark and went on for hours.  And that followed many days of explosions and flashes as youngsters let off fireworks as soon as they got their hands on them.
Thankfully it was an uneventful night as far as the fire service was concerned - but the 'celebration' was not entirely without its dark side.
One example is the sky rocket sent crashing through the dining room window of a house in Maryport.  Householder Nancy Johnstone had to take cover as the rocket sent glass flying everywhere and then exploded close to her.  The foolishness of those responsible is beyond belief. Luckily, no-one was physically hurt - unlike the 18-year from Salford who had his hand blown off when he picked up a firework to light it.
A Greater Manchester fire service spokesman said it was a perfectly legal firework - the type that could be bought over the counter - which makes it even more frightening.  Why on earth do we permit them to be sold?
Workington MP Tony Cunningham is campaigning for tougher controls on their sale and wants the Government to provide time for legislation to bring in major changes to existing laws. Fireworks used to be fun - but now they are let off recklessly and cause enormous distress to people and their pets.  Hasn't the time come to outlaw them completely? What would be lost - revenue for shops aside - by not allowing them to be sold?