November 20 2002, Evening Chronicle, Join Firework Campaign
Can I through the Chronicle let your readers know that the RSPCA and Guide Dogs for the Blind Association are currently collecting signatures for a petition to present to the government, to restrict the sale of fireworks.  If anyone would like to contact them to sign, maybe eventually someone will listen.
Something has to be done about the distress caused to animals and the elderly.  Gone are the penny bangers that could burn your fingers, the fireworks of today could take your arm off.  Five days after Guy Fawkes Night, my dog was so upset I took her to my daughter's home seven miles away where it was quieter.
Write to your local MP, state your case and make your voice heard.
A. H. Newcastle upon Tyne

November 20 2002, icBerkshire - Pet dog is hounded by fireworks

A LADY is demanding an urgent change in legislation regarding the use of fireworks after her Jack Russell dog was injured when a banger exploded in her back garden. Frances Szubert of Farnham Road, Slough, is disgusted by the length of the 'fireworks season' and the level of noise created by the bangers.
She said: "Having put up with a whole month of firework bangs, I feel irate about it all. "My dog went outside on Wednesday evening (November 6) and came back with a very nasty wound on his eye which was bleeding heavily. A firework had exploded near our back gate and the sparks had hit him.
"It's time the law was changed and this sort of thing was made illegal, after all it is a public nuisance, like loud music."

November 20 2002, icCheshireOnline - South Cheshire Chronicle letters

I AM writing to express my views on the subject of year-round firework sales. November is a month that I have come to dread.  I have three young children who go to bed between 7.30pm and 8.30pm during autumn.
I find myself racing upstairs to comfort them 10 or 11 times a night after they have been woken for fireworks and kept awake by the volley of barking dogs that follows.  Quite frankly, it's exhausting. We know that home displays are expensive and dangerous and I believe that anyone planning a home display should be required to apply for a licence to so do and should have to stick to clear rules as to the length of time the display can last for and the latest time they can be set off.  I am no killjoy. I don't want a total ban on fireworks.  I just believe that when you choose to live in a community you should respect the rights of the people living around you.
K. L. Crewe

IF anything has been proved this year, it is that fireworks need to be banned.  Surely the residents of Crewe and Nantwich have a greater right to peace and safety above the minority who enjoy setting fireworks off day and night, for example at 3.15 am.  I do enjoy watching a good firework display like the one in Queen's Park and think that fireworks should only be used for licensed events.
Just to give you more details - 115 people died from fireworks last year. It costs £44,660 to attend bonfires with a total of 141 call-outs at £290 per hour in Crewe, Sandbach and Winford over a 23-day period last year. (Fire Brigade HQ figures).
Concerns that pets are distressed and are being attacked with fireworks are common and also a spokesman from Guide Dogs for the Blind raised concerns that guide dogs may bolt from their handlers as a result of a firework going off.
Are fireworks really worth the loss of life? They are an expensive and dangerous nuisance and should be banned from public sale. If you agree, contact your MP and the environmental health department to register you disapproval.
FED-UP WITH FIREWORKS (name and address supplied)

BONFIRE Night is now past but still fireworks, with all their whizzes and bangs, have to be endured in the evenings and also during the day.  At midday on Saturday I thought it would be safe to exercise my dog in a field by the river. But no! The fireworks started, the loud bangs causing my dog to bolt, running near the road. Luckily she returned to me with no harm done.  It could have been much different though, a road accident involving injuries or death to human beings or my dog.
Who would have been to blame? Yes, those thoughtless and selfish individuals continuing to let off fireworks, even after Guy Fawkes Night is well past.
J. E. C. Nantwich
Editor's note: It is important to note that it is not necessarily the legitimate sale of fireworks that is the problem but an increasing menace posed by the illicit sale of fireworks.

November 20 2002, icHuddersfield - Firework sales plea to shops

SHOPS are being urged to stick to voluntary restrictions when they sell fireworks.  Traders agreed in the 1970s to restrict sales to the three weeks before Bonfire Night. But many ignored the guidelines this year, a survey by West Yorkshire trading standards found. Complaints were received as early as September 2 about shops selling fireworks. Mr Cooper said: "Legally, shops can sell fireworks 365 days of the year.  "But I am personally concerned about complaints regarding the noise of fireworks. "If we could address the noise issue and make all fireworks purely visual or with a lot less noise, it would be much more acceptable."
Mr Cooper said he wanted the public to be the eyes and ears and inform officials of where there is a problem.

November 20 2002, The Forres Gazette, Angry mum calls for firework curbs

A YOUNG Forres mum has called for the introduction of tighter regulations governing the sale and use of fireworks. The woman, who asked not to be identified, lives in Strathconner Road, and she is fed up having to put up with fireworks being set off at all hours of the day and night, weeks before and after Guy Fawkes' Day. "My young son gets very frightened by the noise, and our dog is absolutely petrified," she said. "Young people are not supposed to be able to get hold of them, yet last Tuesday, a full week after November 5, four youngsters under the age of 14 were setting off fireworks in Strathconner Road around 5.40 in the evening. You expect them around November 5, but not continuing on after the date, and up to a month before. "I feel the regulations governing the sale of fireworks should be tightened. They are getting into young people's hands and that shouldn't be happening. "Perhaps if fireworks had some kind of identifying bar-code, and every person buying them had to sign for them, they could be held accountable for what they are buying. "If there was an accident, the authorities would know who bought the firework and where. Perhaps then they wouldn't fall into the wrong hands. "At the moment, young people are getting their hands on fireworks, and I don't know whether it is because parents are not being vigilant enough, or whether some shopkeepers are not being careful enough about who they sell them to.  "There are problems every year. They go off at all hours, after 11 at night, even into the early hours, but I would say this year has been worse than ever. There is going to be a bad accident some time, and the risks are even greater if the firemen are on strike." She said she would much rather fireworks were sold only to people who were organising big displays. "I am very concerned that youngsters seem to be able to get their hands on fireworks and I would like to see something done about it."
Scotland's police chiefs have already are called for legislation to be tightened, with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) saying that the current laws and voluntary codes of practice are outdated. They want to see tighter vetting procedures of retailers and an increase in the price of the sellers' certificate from the current level of £13. ACPOS also wants training certificates to be introduced for those selling fireworks and a more "positive" policy of prosecuting offenders. The legislative framework is currently controlled by the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 and the Explosives Acts of 1875 and 1923.
David Mellor, Fife's Deputy Chief Constable and spokesperson for ACPOS, said these laws were "certainly past their sell-by date".
Mr Mellor said police forces believed that only people with training certificates should be allowed to buy and sell fireworks and he also called for more stringent security requirements for the storage of fireworks and legislation covering the periods during which they could be supplied or sold. Mr Mellor added: "There is, of course, some support for a complete ban on the sale of domestic fireworks but it is recognised that this would be extremely difficult to enforce."
Current legislation prohibits the sale of fireworks to under-18s and Moray Trading Standards have urged local shopkeepers to adopt a "no proof, no sale" policy if they are in any doubt about a buyer's age. They have also have backed calls for tighter controls to reduce the nuisance caused by fireworks outlined by a Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) task group. These include:
The introduction of a licensing scheme for fireworks.
A change in the composition of fireworks to minimise the noise effects.
Restrictions on the single purchase of noisier fireworks.
A uniform records system by the police and trading standards to improve the monitoring of fireworks-related complaints/ incidents.
Local authorities to discuss with the local youth the consequences of irresponsible use of fireworks.

November 20 2002, This is Brighton & Hove, Traditional party is not total disregard
To the "many irate residents of the Pembroke and Sackville district".
As you appear to have forgotten to put your address on the letter I received last Wednesday morning, I take this opportunity to respond to some of your points concerning our bonfire party the previous Saturday.
Firstly, I do not believe it to be practical to inform residents "up to a mile away" of what was, at most, a 20-minute display of fireworks. The fireworks used were available from any number of shops along Blatchington Road and George Street, Hove, not specially purchased to cause distress.  It is impossible to know how loud a firework is without lighting it first, obviously unfeasible in a newsagent's shop.  If you wish to see the sale of fireworks such as this restricted, your energies would be better focused on the legislative bodies or the shops themselves. How I and my guests recommenced the "loud bangs" at 10.30pm is, indeed, a mystery.
We ended the display at about 6.20pm because we had several children at the party who needed to get home to bed. It would have needed a feat of some endeavour to launch fireworks from the comfort of the pub.
Your suggestion that fireworks should be used only on the Downs is thoughtless at best.
Although I am yet to read of any pets or elderly residents in Brighton and Hove dying from the use of fireworks, the recent tragic death of a horse in Pyecombe is surely reason enough to keep fireworks away from the Downs.
I appreciate this right to reply (although a return address would have shown better etiquette).
My family has lived in the Sackville district for some 35 years and I can assure you we do not have total disregard for the community within which we live but reserve the right to celebrate this yearly festival.
D. E. Hove

November 20 2002, Voter results from Horsham on line
Should fireworks be restricted to organised displays
Yes   76.67 %
No     23.33 %

November 20 2002, This is Devon,  Support mounting for fireworks campaign
Months of noisy fireworks have prompted more Exeter residents to press for a fresh petition urging the Government to take action.
Families in St Thomas, Exwick and Wonford want anyone trying to buy fireworks to first have to get a licence.
Residents say fireworks have been noisier this year than in previous years, forcing pensioners to take cover and leaving pet cats and dogs terrified.  They have been bombarding St Thomas city councillor Connel Boyle and Wonford councillor Olwen Foggin with requests to take action.  Now the councillors are aiming to obtain thousands of signatures for their petition before presenting it to the Government.
Earlier this month, residents in Beacon Heath started up a similar petition to ban the sale of noisy fireworks to the public. And other residents across the city, including in Pennsylvania, have reported youths letting-off bangers and rockets for hours each night
One dog was hit by a vehicle and killed in Exeter after bolting at the noise.
Cllr Boyle said: "There is anger about this. We are both being contacted by people asking if we can do something.
"Fireworks are being let off all over the city. Parts of West Exe and Wonford are already fully behind us. "We had fireworks in Exwick again this week where I live. My dog gets terrified by them. "It has now become fireworks' season instead of bonfire night. People should have to have a licence before buying fireworks. "We would ask people to contact us to add their weight to the petition."
Mother Anne Price, of West Avenue, Pennsylvania had to put her four-year-old terrier dog Casper on sedatives after weeks of loud bangs. She said: "He has one tranquilliser a night. No one minds fireworks at the right time but when you get woken up in the night that is different."  The campaign to take action against fireworks in Exeter began last year after rockets were fired at buses in Wonford.
In August this year, thousands of residents in Exwick were woken up by a 20-minute display after 2am in the morning. The display led calls for the Government to take action and change the law. At the time the city council and police said they could not stop the display.
The council's environmental health teams stopped work at midnight and the police said it was a city council issue.
Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw vowed to investigate the incident and see if any change in the law was necessary.
The Government so far has refused to change the law. Last week it announced plans to introduce new powers to prosecute people who use fireworks dangerously but there was no mention of fireworks' noise.
Earlier this year Prime Minister Tony Blair hinted at a change in the law after hearing reports from residents in other parts of the country.
In Nottingham the evening paper was inundated with letters from readers about the noise and nuisance that the long build-up to Bonfire Night and continual fireworks afterwards was causing.
It led to the police and fire authorities to call for a public consultation on the sale of fireworks and a public debate was opened by local politicians.
One Notts MP sponsored a Bill in the House of Commons which called for restricted sales of fireworks. It gained massive support and is due for a second debate.
Anyone wanting to back the councillors' campaign can telephone Cllr Boyle on 01392 427942 or Cllr Olwen on 660430.

November 19 2002, Evening Chronicle, Fighting for a quiet life
Regarding the letter from T Witters, of Gateshead on November 6 (against fireworks), I support his view, that is why I have set up a campaign, the response to which so far has been excellent.
This campaign is going on so if anyone who feels as we do, would like to join us could they contact me through your paper.  Every name counts, we don't want fireworks going off, for almost six months of the year.  Here in Blyth they have been going off since late September, and you can purchase fireworks up until the festive season.  The only crackers we want at Christmas are the harmless ones you pull enjoying your Christmas dinner.
Mrs B. T. Blyth

November 19 2002, icCroydon - MP backs campaign to restrict fireworks

An MP has backed calls by residents and councillors to clamp down on firework sales. Richard Ottaway, Tory MP for Croydon South, has written to trade and industry minister Melanie Johnson urging her to toughen the government stance on how fireworks are sold.  His concern follows complaints from residents, particularly in Kenley, about loud bangers being let off throughout the night and often for weeks either side of November 5.
The MP said: "Undoubtedly there is a growing intolerance of fireworks being let off for days on end in the period running up to Guy Fawkes night and beyond.  "Also, fireworks available for home use seem to be getting louder and more sophisticated. Every year I receive an increasing number of letters from constituents who are fed up with this constant disturbance, sometimes very late at night."
Kenley councillor Steve O'Connell said: "The Kenley area has been plagued in the last three weeks by the anti-social use of fireworks.  "Several people have complained, and given the time of night, there is no way these could have been the result of local families holding parties.  "I don't want to be seen as a party pooper, but I sincerely hope we see some improvement by November next year."  Kenley and District Residents' Association has also complained that firework noise has increased over recent years.
Calling for a limit to be placed on the period when fireworks can be sold and used, Mr Ottaway added: "Many of my constituents have family pets who become very distressed by the bangs."  Mr Ottaway's comments come just weeks after the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association also urged the Government to take action.
Every year, guide dogs and other working dogs are forced to retire after being injured or traumatised by the irresponsible use of fireworks. Chief executive Geraldine Peacock said: "Sudden loud noises can distress guide dogs to such a degree that they are unable to continue working. This means the end of a partnership that has taken many months or years to develop.  "With the day-to-day costs of training, feeding, insurance and vets' bills running at around £10 a day per dog, the financial costs are also huge."
The Department of Trade and Industry recently announced a series of measures designed to limit the sale of so called "pocket money" fireworks - a range of relatively cheap yet loud explosives - but the code remains voluntary. A spokesman for the department said there were no imminent plans to introduce legislation, but said the voluntary code was being kept under review.
* Readers can pledge their support to Guide Dogs for the Blind by logging on to the website www.guidedogs.org.uk Signatures will be presented to the Government in the new year.

November 19 2002, icCroydon - Vandals blow up postbox

WINDOWS and walls shook as thugs caused a massive explosion which ripped apart a cast iron pillar box.
Firefighters and police were called to Riverview Road in Ewell at around 10.20pm on November 7 after the blast rocketed through the neighbourhood, leaving letters and cheques burning and littered across the road.
Firefighter Sean Tickner, first on the scene from the Epsom brigade, was horrified when he saw the damage, which was caused by a giant Roman candle firework being pushed through the pillar box.
He said: "When we arrived it had burnt itself out, but it had obviously gone off, just like a bomb. The cast iron pillar box lid - it must have weighed 40 kilos - was in the middle of the road and had made a divot where it had hit. The postbox door was blown open and there was post including road tax renewal forms and cheques."
The explosion comes on the heels of a horrendous Halloween for the divisional police who were called out more than 600 times on the one night.
Answering more than double the calls than usual including a number of fireworks through letterbox incidents in Epsom, police found their resources stretched.
A Royal Mail spokesman apologised for any inconvenience caused to people who had posted letters in the box. Where possible the damaged post would be returned to the sender.

November 19 2002, icSurreyOnline - Rocket attack blasts house window

AN ASHTEAD couple had a lucky escape on Monday night when a firework launched at their house and blew a hole in their bedroom window.  The rocket hit the window in Berrymeade Close with a loud bang at about 10.50pm, leaving the bedroom full of smoke.  Owner Darren O'Leary, 35, described the explosion as "sounding like the end of the world" and said residents across the close were woken by the noise and came out to investigate.
The powerful rocket left a gaping hole in Mr O'Leary's double-glazed window, which was shut when it was hit.
He said: "Normally the window would have been open, but I had shut it because all the noise was keeping awake my kids.  "I don't know what would have happened if it had been open as normal."  Mr O'Leary, who is partially disabled, suffered a minor injury as he struggled out of bed following the attack, but the rest of the family were unhurt. The family dialled 999 but said police did not attend as no one was hurt and a local unit had been called away to a more serious crime in the neighbourhood.
Police were unable to give the Advertiser any more details at the time of going to press.
Mr O'Leary's partner Tanya Turner, 34, told the Advertiser that the alleyway that runs opposite the close has been a constant source of problems.  Halloween decorations on the estate have been repeatedly destroyed this year and during the fireworks season last year residents suffered a barrage of attacks.  One resident opened his front door to find a firework had been let off on his door step. 
In another incident, three fireworks were directed at Mr O'Leary's neighbours and caused superficial damage to their houses.  Police were called to the estate to investigate the incident and a gang of teenagers were spoken to by officers but no charges were made.  Houses in Berrymeade Close back on to the main road and the alleyway that surrounds the area is a public right of way.  Residents believe that the ease of access to the area may be the root cause of the problems with fireworks and vandalism.

November 19 2002, icSurreyOnline - Vandals blow up postbox
WINDOWS and walls shook as thugs caused a massive explosion which ripped apart a cast iron pillar box.
Firefighters and police were called to Riverview Road in Ewell at around 10.20pm on November 7 after the blast rocketed through the neighbourhood, leaving letters and cheques burning and littered across the road.
Firefighter Sean Tickner, first on the scene from the Epsom brigade, was horrified when he saw the damage, which was caused by a giant Roman candle firework being pushed through the pillar box.
He said: "When we arrived it had burnt itself out, but it had obviously gone off, just like a bomb. The cast iron pillar box lid - it must have weighed 40 kilos - was in the middle of the road and had made a divot where it had hit. The postbox door was blown open and there was post including road tax renewal forms and cheques."
The explosion comes on the heels of a horrendous Halloween for the divisional police who were called out more than 600 times on the one night.
Answering more than double the calls than usual including a number of fireworks through letterbox incidents in Epsom, police found their resources stretched.
A Royal Mail spokesman apologised for any inconvenience caused to people who had posted letters in the box. Where possible the damaged post would be returned to the sender.

November 19 2002, Local London, Tories demand firework curbs
Tories in the south of the borough are calling for tougher restrictions on the sale of fireworks to stamp out prolonged anti-social abuse of the explosives.
Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway and Kenley ward councillor Steve O'Connell have blamed fireworks being sold too early and too easily for an extended period of late-night excessive noise which has upset the elderly, distressed pets and infuriated residents.
Both politicians say they have received an unprecedented number of complaints from residents and say that the Government must curb the use of noisy fireworks by November 5 next year.
Coun O'Connell has called for tighter controls on temporary fireworks shops and has accused some retailers of turning a blind eye to underage children making purchases.
He said: "Given the time of night these incidents occurred, there is no way these could have been the result of local families holding parties.
"The prevalence of retailers opening on short leases selling fireworks, possibly indiscriminately, has made the availability of these mega-bangers' all the easier. Without proper controls, noise nuisance and injury can only escalate.
"Obviously properly controlled displays and family parties on or around the 5th November and Diwali are to be welcomed, but the nuisance to residents and the misery to pets and wildlife should be considered."
Richard Ottaway has written to the Government urging steps to curb the use of noisy fireworks, saying: "There is a growing intolerance to fireworks being let off for days on end in the period running up to Guy Fawkes night and beyond."

November 19 2002, This is Gloucestershire, Fireworks are anti-social
Madam - When does one night equal two months? When it is bonfire night.
We are now halfway through November and fireworks are still being let off each night.
Years ago, we would look forward to that one night - a shared celebration of bonfire, chestnuts and fireworks.
For young and old, fireworks are a wonderful spectacle and I will always remember Millennium night when, for half an hour, the sky was full of fireworks.
Over the years, fireworks have become bigger and louder.
Some can shake the whole town so it feels at times as if we are under siege.
Perhaps we need to look to greater control and restriction.
As usual, it is the few spoiling things for the many.
The Government has just announced a whole series of measures to combat anti -social behaviour.
The irresponsible use of fireworks should be added to this list.
P. W.  Cheltenham.

November 19 2002, this is Gloucestershire, POOR RABBIT WAS LEFT ALONE
Madam - I was upset to read about the death of Rachael Barker's pet rabbit from the shock of hearing loud fireworks (November 13).
However, I also feel it is the owner's responsibility to keep their pet safe during times like this.
As a fellow rabbit owner, I always ensure my pet is indoors on bonfire night.
Name supplied, Cheltenham

November 18 2002, East Anglian Daily Times - A well aimed rocket for firework abusers
After the unpleasant sequence of events post-Burrell the Queen's coach-ride to ride to Westminster for the State Opening of Parliament must have been very reassuring. The royal show was back on the road, with uniforms and trumpets. There were bows and curtseys at every turn, and Black Rod delivered the obedient Commons to attend Her Majesty in the House of Peers. There's nothing like a spot of ritual oil to calm troubled waters, no matter that her job that day was only to read a run down of the parliamentary programme, a bit like a continuity announcer.
Top of the parliamentary pops appears to be the Anti-social Behaviour Bill which declares open season on the lout. Parasites such as litter-droppers and graffiti perpetrators are on notice. There's also a footnote that mentions the reckless use of fireworks, which is one way of describing Guy Fawkes's efforts in 1605. But how will they define recklessness? Obviously the definition has to include merry pranks like dropping fireworks through letterboxes, or the laugh-a-minute sport of throwing them at people. However, if that is as far as it goes there will be howls of protest from thousands of disgruntled citizens, if the experience of this year has been anything to go by.
What is wanted is a thorough drenching for those who seem to think that it's a bit of a lark to light the blue touch paper whenever they feel like it. I've lost count of the number of people who have been incandescent with indignation about the barrage of bangs and whooshes which has gone on since mid-October. It's only now that it seems to be fizzling out. Our cats have just begun to breathe sighs of relief. Vic and Albert were the main sufferers. Night after night they retreated to the cellar looking like fugitives in films about the blitz, Albert crouching halfway down the steps while Vic peeped out from behind a box on the floor. Even when peace returned for a few hours each day they were still jumpy.
Since writing the above I've come across one shop displaying a sign which announces "Fireworks 30% off". Some bright sparks are bound to think they'll make excellent stocking fillers. At this rate we could be in for a year-round plague of the damned things. Surely the way to stop goons getting at fireworks is to make them available only for responsible people: licensed professional display contractors.

November 18 2002, icLiverpool - Your Letters 18th November 2002
FIREWORKS night is over - or is it? We have been suffering with bangers and what bangs they are. From the beginning of October, day and night, they make us jump and the dog goes mad, barking and running about.
If youths are setting them off, where do they buy them and where do they get the money?
They are not cheap, some up to £20 a time.  Perhaps now the government will stop their sale. Only organised parties should get them and direct from the manufactures.  Let's have some peace .
D. C. Aintree

November 18 2002, Leeds Today, Don't let this misery go on another year
FIREWORK campaigners in West Yorkshire today blasted the Government for it's lack of action.
The Yorkshire Evening Post is leading calls for a ban on firework sales until 10 days before Bonfire Night and the introduction of a licensing system to control displays.
Disappointed
Our campaign has won support from scores of members of the public, top MPs, leading police officers and
firefighters, Trading Standards officers, medical professionals and animal charities.
Campaigner Marjorie Johnson, from Harrogate, said: "You would think with all this
support for new legislation that the Government would finally sit up and take notice. Everyone seems to agree that something needs to be done, so why haven't they done anything?
"I was desperately disappointed that nothing was done in time for Bonfire Night.
"We need new laws in place for next November at the latest because the situation is getting worse every year."
Pressure was today building on Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt as she faced renewed calls for tough curbs on fireworks.
Leeds MP John Battle is launching a head-on challenge calling for a ban on over-the-counter sales.
Nuisance
He is pressing for laws that would allow fireworks to be sold only through mail order-style firms and would require people throwing firework parties to obtain licences.
The licensing system would be run by councils and local people would be able to have a say and object to events if they wished, says Mr Battle.
He said the use of fireworks had swung from enjoyment to "nuisance, if not danger".
He added: "If you want to use fireworks, you would have to plan ahead and organise it."

November 18 2002, This is Devon, Fireworks Are Blamed For Dog's Death
A distraught dog owner has added to calls for greater control over fireworks after learning that her pet died when Bonfire Night explosions made her bolt in front of traffic.
Helen Jenkins, of Countess Wear, was left in tears after her six-year-old dog, Mavis, ran off in terror after hearing a firework blast.
Ms Jenkins searched in vain for Mavis, unaware that she had been run over and killed as she raced across busy Bridge Road.
She said: "I read in the Echo that one dog had died because of fireworks on Bonfire Night, but I was hoping against hope that it was not Mavis and that perhaps some kind person had taken her in.
"The police and the dog warden did not know at the time and it was only later that I found out that it was Mavis who died. She had an identifying microchip.
"I did not know what to do; I was so shocked. Later I realised that I would like to bring her home and bury her in the garden - but when I called the dog warden he said she had already been incinerated.
"It is all very sad. Mavis was a rescue dog. She was only six and I owned her for three years."
Ms Jenkins, who has two other dogs, Sheba and Philip, said she did not know the full circumstances of the accident but was convinced that loud firework explosions caused Mavis to run away.
She said: "I know not much can be done. I would support a ban on the sale of fireworks but it is the big, private displays that cause the most difficulty.
"What I would ask is for people to be more aware of the damage that can be done.
"It would be very helpful if pubs and other groups who hold displays could give plenty of advance warning."
Ms Jenkins's plea comes after reports in the Echo of widespread concern in Exeter, notably from elderly residents, about fear and disturbance caused by fireworks.
A city councillor has already launched an appeal for a ban on the sale of fireworks in the city.

November 18 2002, This is Devon, Fireworks Fright 'Killed' Horse
Fireworks and a bit of fun turned into a nightmare for Wendy Gilbert from St Columb, who had to put down her horse after it panicked and ran into a fence.
Fleur the mare was in the paddock she had peacefully shared with another horse for the last seven years when the rogue fireworks went off, not part of any organised display.
The mare was frightened by the flares and bangs and galloped into a fence in a blind and instinctive effort to flee.
Owner Wendy Gilbert said: "It is both terrible and tragic. I go up to the horses every morning and when I went up there on Tuesday, Fleur was lying down.
"Someone had phoned to say that the fence had been pulled down. I went up to her and she didn't get up. When I got her to stand, her leg was hanging from the knee.
"She had charged through the barbed wire and there was nothing the vet could do. There were fireworks all over the field, and they were horrendous that night, like guns going off, and there were kids everywhere with them."
The incident is one of many involving animals. In West Cornwall, a dog who panicked and ran away from some flares let off near a school was hit by a car and killed.
And countless pet owners have complained to the police and local authorities, saying that measures must be taken to protect their pets.
Coun Janet Burt is calling for only silent fireworks to be sold to the public, and noisy ones to be confined to organised displays, and has said that she will be writing to Lib-Dem MP Paul Tyler about what happened.
She said: "It would save an awful lot of unpleasantness for animals and people.
"It's horrific to see an animal like a horse being put down."
Mrs Gilbert, a hairdresser, added: "Fireworks should be confined to displays.
"I'm so angry because it's so unnecessary. She was only a young horse, and when I walk around the village and see gangs of boys hanging around I am furious."
An RSPCA spokeswoman described the accident as "horrific".
Last year 4,825 animals were treated for firework-related injuries, and/or were prescribed sedatives because they were so frightened.

November 18 2002, This is York, Andrew's bang on
CONGRATULATIONS to Councillor Andrew Waller on his motion about fireworks, and to the City of York Council for supporting it (November 13).
I hope the Government takes some notice of this and other representations they receive.
I was particularly pleased that the motion includes a request to make fireworks quieter. A law that fireworks could only be sold for organised displays would not solve the problem of firework noise: at present it is the organised displays, using powerful fireworks, that cause the loudest bangs, which are really terrifying to animals.
M. B. Fulford, York

November 16 2002, Express and Star, Children questioned on hoaxes and fires
Three children aged 11, 12 and 13 have been questioned in connection with a series of arson incidents and hoax 999 calls in a village street dubbed the "worst in the West Midlands."
Residents of Tildesley Close in Penkridge, including many pensioners, have been plagued by anti-social behaviour and complained of being prisoners in their own homes because of the trouble being caused.
Over the course of three months almost 60 complaints were lodged with the police and South Staffordshire Housing Association, which owns properties in the street. One resident dubbed it "the worst street in the West Midlands."  PC Parry-Sargent told councillors in the last month elsewhere in the village there had been 25 cases of nuisance behaviour by youths.   "The majority of these were egg-throwing incidents and fireworks through letter boxes," he said. "I have some information about who is responsible which I just have to firm up.
"I will then be doing something about that as well."  Councillor Vincent Brennan said: "It is good to hear PC Parry-Sargent is working very hard and getting some results."

November 16 2002, This is Oxfordshire, Show some consideration
Why do people not show consideration for animals? Firework night is November 5. I agree with the wonderful display South Parks has each year and, yes, November 5.
For the last two weeks from 6pm until late, our skies have been lit up, and blasted to the heavens.
My dog and several others in the vicinity have been scared out of their wits.
Each year it gets louder and longer. Do other readers suffer with their pets the same? It's dreadful.
P. W. Headington, Oxford

November 15 2002, Burton Mail - Call for ban on sale of fireworks
A NATIONAL campaign pushing for a blanket ban on the sale of fireworks to the public has been launched by a Burton councillor.  East Staffordshire Borough Council member Sue Marbrow says the rocketing misuse of fireworks, especially in her Uxbridge ward, has prompted her to launch the nationwide petition.
In the run up to Bonfire Night police received a string of complaints from Uxbridge residents saying that yobs were hurling fireworks at people. Police officers themselves then came under attack by the louts when they attempted to approach a gang of 24 youths on November 4.
Councillor Marbrow's campaign to ban the sale of fireworks has come just as the Government announced a crackdown on anti-social behaviour, including the dangerous use of fireworks. Councillor Marbrow said her campaign has received "amazing" backing from householders across Burton.
Copies of the petition have also already been sent to her Liberal Democrat colleagues in Hampshire and Merseyside in a bid to find more signatories.
Councillor Marbrow, who in the run-up to November 5 said fireworks in Uxbridge sounded like "machine guns going off all through the night", is now hoping her campaign will gain more momentum and reach all corners of the UK. She said: "The use of fireworks is now a nightmare. It's horrendous. The minority wreck it for everyone else.
"I've no problem with licensed displays, but under my petition people won't be able to go into a shop and buy a box of fireworks.  "The petition has got to be national. It's no good me just sending names in from the Uxbridge ward."
The Queen's Speech on Wednesday revealed that the Government is set to introduce legislation clamping down on fireworks yobs.  The proposed Anti-Social Behaviour Bill has been welcomed by Burton Labour MP Janet Dean. She said: "I'm pleased that there will be legislation to combat anti-social behaviour and crime. The Bill will introduce measures to tackle vandalism and the dangerous use of airguns and fireworks, issues which are of great concern to my constituents." Commenting on the Queen's Speech proposals, Councillor Marbrow said: "I welcome anything that will ease the firework situation."

November 15 2002, Express and  Star, Pet suffers brain damage in attack
An alsatian dog had to be put down after she was brain damaged in a horrific attack. Sixteen-month-old Zenna leapt a 7ft fence at her home in Beatrice Street, Leamore last Saturday after she was frightened by a firework.
She was found - seriously injured but still alive - by a council dog warden in Wall End Close, behind Saddlers Court industrial estate on Monday afternoon.  The warden described Zenna's injuries as 'too numerous to mention' after the sickening attack.  Vets say the damage to her brain, eye and cuts to her neck and stomach were so bad, Zenna could not have been saved. Heartbroken owner Elizabeth Hooper, who has two other dogs is now appealing for information from anyone who knows what happened to her dog.
Vets are adamant Zenna was attacked and tortured, and not involved in a road accident.
"Zenna has obviously gone to someone who has taken advantage of her. No one in their right mind would do that to a dog," said Mrs Hooper.  Mrs Hooper's children - two sets of twins aged 17 months and 11 years, and a three year old boy - are missing the dog, she said. "But we just want to know what happened to Zenna. She was bought up to be very friendly because of the children, and she would have gone to anyone."
By the time Zenna's owner found out her pet had been taken to Lockwood Veterinary Centre in Willenhall, Zenna had already been destroyed.  A spokesman for the RSPCA said this was 'a horrific attack on a defenceless animal'.  "We would like to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information on what happened to this dog to contact us in confidence and help us catch the person or persons responsible for this terrible attack," the spokesman added.
The RSPCA prosecutes hundreds of people in the UK each year for cruelty to animals, with some of the worst cases resulting in imprisonment.
Anyone who can shed light on what happened to Zenna should call the RSPCA in confidence on 08705 555 999.

November 15 2002, Harrogate Today Drama as Players face firework attacks
FIREWORK attacks forced a Harrogate theatre group to relocate this week, amid fears for personal safety.
Fireworks have been thrown in the car park and into the foyer of St Andrew's Church Hall in Starbeck, forcing Harrogate St Andrew's Players to relocate to St John Fisher School for their final week of rehearsals.
Members branded the area a war zone, after the first attack two weeks ago when a lit firework was allegedly thrown into the foyer, filling the hall with smoke.
The final straw came on Tuesday night when a 25-barrel firework was lit outside the church hall window, put out by members using a fire extinguisher. A spokesperson for the group said: "These are dangerous and malicious attacks where people are purposely putting others in danger. They must know the consequences of throwing a lit firework into a hall full of people including children as young as nine. "The hall foyer and car park are often used by people taking some fresh air or rehearsing parts of the show. We haven't felt safe enough to do this and are even intimidated when returning to our cars afterwards. It's like rehearsing in a war zone."

November 15 2002, Harrogate Today 'Halt fireworks menace' battle is stepped up
A LEADING campaigner has stepped up her fight to speed up tougher laws on fireworks amid growing numbers of injuries and incidents of anti-social behaviour. Marjorie Johnson, who has been campaigning regionally and nationwide to halt what she calls the growing menace of bomb-like fireworks, says she has been inundated with protests about anti-social behaviour surrounding menacing explosives during recent weeks.
Mrs Johnson, who lives at Oatlands, Harrogate, says yet again Bonfire Night celebrations were not confined to Guy Fawkes Night but extended over a long period, causing constant distress, particularly for the elderly and pets.
She has written again to Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson MP, asking what advancement has been made in bringing forward tough new legislation to deal with a problem which was affecting the whole country.
Following Prime Minister Tony Blair's recent statement in the Commons that the government were keeping the issue under "constant review" Mrs Johnson said: "I'm sorry, that's not good enough. We have been promised action for long enough. We need to see action being implemented."
Mrs Johnson believes there will be no progress nor a huge reduction in accidents and injuries until fireworks are licensed at storage, sale and use. And she believes the situation has become so bad that fireworks should only be used for display purposes. There is growing concern, she says, that in some areas anything standing in the street, like telephone boxes, has been blown apart by high powered fireworks.
Among calls she received was one from a lone pensioner who feared her home would be set on fire when a large shell from a "mega bomb" landed on a roof extension to her home.
One man said the sheer din from loud explosives being let off even at 3.30pm was causing distress for residents and pedestrians.
Mrs Johnson, who has linked up with national campaigners to petition Parliament after presenting hundreds of names backing her campaign to Harrogate Borough Council, said she was horrified that two women pedestrians had needed surgery following a high powered firework causing extensive burns in South Yorkshire in one of several cases highlighted nationwide.
She said: "No longer are fireworks just fireworks. They are just like bombs going off which terrify people. Public opinion is now very much against the way things are going."
Mrs Johnson, who was critical of one Harrogate outlet selling half price fireworks after Bonfire Night, slammed stores who had snubbed a North Yorkshire Police plea not to sell fireworks until ten days before November 5.
She added: "Unfortunately the police did not have the power to ban sales, they could only make a request. It's time for requests to end and the law to take over."

November 15 2002, icCheshireOnline - Chester Chronicle letters
I WRITE in response and support of the many correspondents who have highlighted their concerns over the use and abuse of fireworks. I am of the opinion (and please believe me, I am not a killjoy) that the banning of the retail sale of fireworks all year round is the only solution to this problem.
I would not wish to take away the facility of fireworks being available to 'licensed users'. Licensed users would be fully trained in pyrotechnics and could provide organised displays for all occasions large and small.
After all if you want a clown or a magician for a children's party you hire them. Why not the same if you want a firework display? I know it adds to the cost, but what price can you put on safety?
I am aware that any move to ban the retail sales of fireworks could drive the problem underground and leave the system open to abuse. However, I believe it would be in the best interests and safety of the public.
You only have to look at the recent incident of an 18-year-old in Manchester having his hand blown off by a firework. This sort of powerful explosive cannot and must not be allowed to continue to be sold to people who have no experience of handling these types of devices. These fireworks are lethal weapons and, used irresponsibly, maim and kill.
The statistics from 1996 to 2001 show that over 6,000 people have needed hospital treatment for firework-related incidents and two people have lost their lives. How many other people have suffered minor injuries that do not show on these statistics?
The strain these figures put on our emergency services, particularly at this time of the year, is unacceptable. Fire appliances and ambulances attending firework incidents are not available to deal with real emergencies; this could cost further lives.
Hospital A&E departments are clogged up with people who have suffered injuries as a result of fireworks, with doctors and nurses dealing with injuries that could be avoided. This cannot and must not be allowed to continue.
The only way of achieving the banning of retail sales of fireworks is through an act of Parliament.
I would ask readers to contact their MP and request his or her assistance in bringing forward a Private Member's Bill or asking them to support the same in Parliament so we can remove this danger from society once and for all.
CLLR CHRIS BLAKELEY Chairman, Housing and Community Safety Select Committee, Wirral Council

November 15 2002, icCheshireOnline - Valuable cow dies after firework panic
A FARMER is demanding compensation from bosses at a Cheshire racing circuit after one of his prized cows died during a corporate firework display. Robin Jeffs watched in horror as a herd of pedigree Holstein Friesian cows panicked after being frightened by a display at the Oulton Park circuit in Little Budworth.
The animals were trampled on and forced to the ground at Mr Jeff's farm as bosses at the park refused to stop the display following a desperate telephone call from the farmer.  Mr Jeffs, of Lower Farm, Well Lane, Little Budworth, later discovered how a pregnant six-year-old cow, valued at £3,000, was left badly injured by the incident. It was later put down. Mr Jeffs is the second person to complain about the Oulton Park display - held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Roberts' Bakery in Northwich - on Saturday, October 5.
The exploding fireworks also sent a terrified horse bolting through a barbed wire fence and left its owner with a £400 vets bill. But unlike Mr Jeffs, the female owner was told to prepare for the noisy display.
Mr Jeffs said: 'We were notified by the racing circuit of the impending display and because of past experience with cattle being panicked by fireworks, we decided to keep the 160 cow dairy herd indoors for the night.
'The fireworks display, however, was louder and more dramatic than any previous displays. The sky was lit up over a large area and the explosions caused the buildings to shake. 'The result was these cattle crowded into one end of the housing, pushing and shoving one another to get away from the noise. 'Some fell over and others clambered over them causing several to be trampled under foot. We managed afterwards to get most of them back on their feet with only cuts and bruises. 'Two were more seriously hurt, one of which eventually recovered.
'The other had a spinal injury which we treated with anti-inflammatories and painkillers over the next eight days.
'However, on October 14 the vet decided she would never get better and this animal was destroyed.'
Mr Jeffs has contacted bosses at Oulton Park but says he has so far not received any compensation.
'When I realised the stress the fireworks were causing to the cattle I rang Oulton Park to see if the fireworks could be stopped,' said Mr Jeffs. 'They said they could not but would take note of our problem. The loss of this animal in financial terms is substantial as she was a pedigree Holstein Friesian. 'She was also 12 weeks pregnant. There is also the added loss of the calf inside her plus the milk she would have given until a replacement could be found.
A spokeswoman for Oulton Park said: 'We cannot comment if someone has made a claim against us.'
BOSSES at Oulton Park say the death of Robin Jeffs' farm animal has been investigated.
In a letter to Mr Jeffs, the circuit's facilities team leader Philip Bannerman, says: 'At Octagon Motorsports Oulton Park, we constantly strive to maintain and nurture a positive relationship with our neighbours.
'I would like to assure you that your concerns have received our attention and have been investigated. It has provided us with an opportunity to review our communications procedures.
'We consulted Little Budworth and Rushton Parish Councils, Vale Royal Borough Council, the police and fire brigade, advising our intention to hold a firework display.
'We wrote to our neighbours and also requested a notice to be placed in the September Little Budworth parish magazine to ensure that as many members of the community were informed as possible.
'The steps taken by us are intended to ensure that we continue to have a good relationship with our neighbours.'

November 15 2002, icCroydon - Sign up for firework ban

In response to a letter from the Guide Dogs for the Blind organisation, calling for the curbing of fireworks, I write to say a big 'Amen'.
I know I speak for thousands of other animal lovers when I say that I think they should be banned completely, particularly from shops, all shops, where anyone can buy them.
With respect, dear friends from Guide Dogs for the Blind - not everyone has a computer, myself included.
You send me a couple of sheets of petitions and I will fill them for you, but I must have an address.
The Cats' Protection League, the Canine Defence League and many others would, I know, stand with us.
We are the only voice animals have.  It is about time the Government took notice.
P. M. Thornton Heath

November 15 2002, icHuddersfield - Five years of hell!
YOBS have made life hell for an elderly man and his son who have recorded their five-year nightmare in a diary of misery.  Eric and Alan Coop have kept a log of constant abuse, threats and attacks on their home in Waterloo.
They say police have been unable to help them despite a total of nearly 160 incidents.
The local policewoman, who took up their case and was trying to help them, is now on sick leave after being viciously attacked trying to deal with the problems of anti-social behaviour in the area.
The latest attack on their property saw thugs blow up their greenhouse by breaking in and setting off a high-powered firework.

November 15 2002, icHuddersfield - MP's plea on firework injuries
A BAN on the sale of fireworks to the public may be the only way to stop injuries, says Colne Valley's MP.
Kali Mountford said the move may prove to be necessary, despite the Government's reluctance.
She told how she had a huge mailbag from constituents and organisations concerned about fireworks.
New measures include a ban on air bomb fireworks and a drive to persuade local councils to use their powers to control nuisance.
But Ms Mountford - whose constituency includes the Black Cat fireworks factory at Crosland Hill - said time might show they did not go far enough.
She said: "I remain concerned that even more stringent measures may be necessary.
"The Government feels an outright ban on private sales is too heavy-handed but I think it may yet prove to be necessary." Ministers believe a ban would lead to a black market in fireworks and encourage people to produce home-made fireworks.
Ms Mountford said: "The firework industry could be sustained by selling to the larger number of public events which would arise from such a scheme. "They could also train and supply firework operatives."
Other events such as Chinese New Year, Diwali and weddings could help boost business, she said. "This would ensure all-year round business for the firework industry and a safer and quieter environment for all of us," she added.

November 15 2002, icLiverpool - Your View
I DON'T want to sound a killjoy, but am I the only one in our neighbourhood who thinks that by this time we have had more than sufficient fireworks let off?
In the area around Ash Street/ Walnut Street they started long before Hallowe'en and have gone on every night since.
My poor little dog is too scared to set foot out of the house once it goes dark and I know there are many other pet owners as well as elderly people who are suffering from the bombardment every night.
However, I think these people reached their most senseless and heartless level on Sunday night. Just when the nation is remembering those who gave their lives in wars for our freedom, they are merrily letting off massive explosives.
Have they no feelings?
A. B. Southport

WE have now witnessed over the past few weeks and probably if things proceed as previously, for days after November 5, the utter selfishness of individuals and crass profit motive of local shops and supermarkets in the sale of fireworks.
One has to ask whether we are still in a timewarp of believing senseless explosions every night could celebrate Guy Fawkes regardless of the noise pollution and the terrifying effects on animals and probably some elderly persons - we still await some response from amongst others, the RSPCA, the police and the local authority in belatedly dealing positively with this problem.
T. B. Full address supplied.

November 15 2002, icScotland - VOICE OF SCOTLAND
I THINK you and some of your readers are out of line over the fireworks issue. They give a lot of people a lot of fun. Just because a few idiots misuse them is no reason for spoiling it for the sensible majority.
Every weekend there is mayhem before, during and after football matches, especially Old Firm games. Why no call to ban football?
E. J.  Edinburgh

THERE are more than a "few idiots" who misuse fireworks. There are hundreds of them and they misuse them from September until December, making life a misery for thousands of people
H. G. Blantyre, Lanarkshire.

November 15 2002, icTeesside - Ban firework sales
A total ban on firework sales to the general public has been called for by a Teesside council. And one local councillor has given an account of the hostile reception he received when he investigated complaints of an unauthorised fireworks party.
Middlesbrough Council agreed to call for Government action to outlaw firework sales to the public. It wants fireworks restricted to public displays, organised in conjunction with councils.
Kader Ward councillor John McPartland told the council he had received a telephone call from a resident last Saturday night complaining of an unauthorised bonfire beside Blue Bell Beck. He drove out to investigate and found more than 50 people at the firework display. It was happening within 20 yards of a row of houses - none of the residents was at the display. "The disturbance being caused to people and animals was totally unacceptable," said Cllr McPartland. He said he was subjected to lots of abuse and on two occasions a man, who came at him, had to be restrained. The matter was now in the hands of the police.
Proposing the ban on general firework sales, Barry Coppinger, executive councillor for law and order, pointed to the work the council had done in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
It included licensing and visiting more than 60 shops to ensure proper storage and handling of fireworks; setting up a Responsible Retailer scheme to check for under-age firework sales; and seizing illegal firework shipments.
He said in the period up to any ban being introduced, the council would continue to review and develop its procedures and campaigns to maximise public safety.
Cllr Tom Mawston, the Liberal Democrat leader, who had also called for tough action on firework sales, said there was now a ludicrous situation where "bangers" had been banned but people could now buy "bombs".
Councillor Oliver Johnson said a total ban on fireworks was the only answer to the problem.
* Should fireworks be banned? Write to Letters to the Editor, Evening Gazette, Borough Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3AZ, fax 01642 232014 or e-mail news@eveninggazette.co.uk

November 15 2002, Manchester Newspaper, Police unconcerned at my despair
I write in despair of this year's 'firework season'.  I am the owner of rescue dogs, one in particular is an absolute gibbering wreck, thanks to local mindless thugs.  To make matters worse it seems the police have little interest in my plight.  If anyone out there does not know what happens to our nervous pets while this mindless din is going on let me explain.
The dog begins to pant in panic, then salivate, then shake.  Its eyes are wide as they can possibly go, it may then begin to dash around trying to escape the noise.  Eventually it may find a corner, to curl up as small as possible and shake more.
Now, for one night a year this would be bad enough, but so far this has been two weeks.  A couple of hours for one night would be bad enough - this begins around 4pm and continues until midnight or beyond.
So, who can help?  Giving the council its due, on each occasion I have called, staff have been both sympathetic and helpful.  They have sent the park security out as soon as they can, whom on some occasions have then informed the police.  One night the council could not help and advised me to call the police direct - they showed no concern and did nothing.
Incidentally, local thugs have covered Bedford Park in glass, that another of my dogs landed on last week.  Tess severed two arteries and nearly died, not to mention the £160 bill I have spent so far.  And what can be done? Nothing.
I wonder if any other residents in my area are having similar problems?  Maybe we should get together?  It seems as we are not central to the town, nobody is interested in helping.
L. L.  Address supplied.

November 15 2002, This is Bradford, Readers Letters

SIR - For three weeks now it has been like living in a war zone with fireworks being let off every night.
The trend seems to be for noisy effects that simulate bombs exploding, machine gun fire and shotgun reports with minimal displays of pretty lights. I have just counted 23 consecutive loud bangs, presumably all one firework.
When fireworks were designed to be pretty and family-orientated and "jumping jack" crackers were the noisiest, it was not too much of a problem. Now they are aimed at the aggressive instincts.
Anyone who thinks age restrictions will limit the problem is lacking in simple observation. It only takes one anti-social adult to supply anyone he or she wants to.
For weeks these firework explosions have caused a nightly hell for wildlife and domestic creatures; if someone inflicted this kind of noise on kennels, stables or catteries in daylight at any other time of the year it would be recognised as cruelty.
If the Government is honest in its view that hunting is cruel, how can they overlook this deliberate annual infliction of prolonged terror, not to mention the adults who find the ear-battering noise seriously unpleasant or even frightening.
My own horse was so startled by a loud firework that he bashed his head on the stable door and lacerated an eyeball. He has spent five days in vet hospital having intensive care to save his sight.
If there is a petition to completely ban fireworks, except for use by licensed authorities, I am very keen to sign it.
G. E.  Skipton.

November 15 2002, This is The Black Country, Firework damage
Police are hunting arsonists who pushed a lit firework through the letterbox of a Halesowen firm over last weekend. Offenders pushed a firework through the letterbox of Albion Water Heaters, Shelah Road.
There was no reported damage other than to post lying on the firm's floor.
Anyone with information should call police on 0121 626 8030 or crime stoppers on 0800 555111.

November 15 2002, this is Bristol - FIREWORK DISPLAYS MUST BE ORGANISED
To add support to the correspondence from C J & J E Cantle on fireworks, I would like to say that I agree with them and the other people who have written to the Post expressing their concerns.
Since the last week in September, fireworks have been let off almost every night, and through the daytime as well, and can still be heard even though bonfire night has come and gone. One comment made by someone was: "It's like being in the middle of Beirut."  The noise is so loud from some of the fireworks that you can actually feel the vibration when they explode.  On bonfire night itself youngsters built a fire close to my home.
Someone had given them a large window or patio door which still had the glass intact. This was smashed by the youngsters and has been left in pieces near my front door. Someone could easily step on the glass and it could cause a nasty accident. Whoever gave them this dangerous object to put on a bonfire should have known better.
Many of the other writers commented on the state of their animals.
My own dog has been so distressed by all the noise and I had hoped we had heard the last of it once bonfire night was over. Last Thursday night my husband and I had to go out. There was so much noise from fireworks that we had to ask a friend to come and stay with our dog as she was so distressed. This weekend it has been like bonfire night all over again with fireworks going off throughout the day and night, some later than 11 o'clock.
The shops that are set up to sell fireworks are quite happy to sell them at any time. I was told that a shop in Whitchurch selling fireworks intended staying open until Christmas.
I hope that it will become illegal for the public to purchase fireworks and that organised displays will be the only ones licensed to handle them in future.
If we know when the displays are to be held and we can make arrangements to be with our pets.
V. W. Whitchurch.

November 15 2002, This is Herefordshire, Firework prank
FIREWORKS were set alight in a rubbish bin at Bromyard's Rowberry Street car park on Tuesday, November 5.

November 15 2002, This is Lancashire, Firework protest hots-up
A BURY woman is to forge ahead with her campaign to force the Government to control the sale of fireworks.
Mrs Pam Pearson has so far collected thousands of names on a petition proposing the introduction of a limited sales period for fireworks. The petition also proposes that only authorised "responsible" people are allowed to purchase and display the fireworks.
The animal lover, of Elm Street, Bury, said: "I am in regular touch with Jim Dobbin, the MP for Heywood, and he has told me to carry on with my petitions.   "In the past few weeks I have had many phone calls and letters from people who are concerned about the huge number of fireworks being set off in the street.   "There is a need for controls to be introduced to prevent them falling into the wrong hands. They do cause great distress, not only to people but to animals.  "The fire brigade, police and a large number of MPs support the need for restrictions and so do thousands upon thousands of people in Bury and across Lancashire."

November 15 2002, This is Nottingham, UNNECESSARY BAN WOULD SPOIL FIREWORKS PLEASURE
I agree with those who say fireworks are being sold earlier every year, I also share the concerns of many of your readers over under-18s purchasing fireworks with ease.
The above concerns do add up to a problem, but this problem could largely be alleviated without a complete ban on private firework sales. Shopkeepers have proved themselves unable or unwilling to abide by present firework legislation - so why not deny them these sales altogether?
Why not allow only licensed firework retailers to sell fireworks to the public? These companies would be much more likely to abide by legislation, as they have more to lose if private sales are banned. This change to the law would largely eliminate complaints of early sales and sales to the under-18s.
On the Evening Post campaign calling for public displays of fireworks only: This year a number of public displays have had to be cancelled due to huge rises in the cost of insurance for these types of events.
This trend will probably not reverse and can only result in fewer and fewer public displays. The end result will probably be only a few large events taking place, with high entrance fees for the public. In short, the complete ban on private firework sales is not the only way to tackle the present problem.
Fireworks give pleasure and enjoyment to many, and are safe if handled responsibly. Don't ruin this enjoyment with an unnecessary ban.
S. V. Nottingham

November 15 2002, This is Oxfordshire, Tighter firework laws wanted
Tighter restrictions should be introduced to control the sale of fireworks, according to Oxfordshire county councillors.  Members of the council's executive board have agreed to ask the Government for new legislation which will help control the sale and use of fireworks.
At the board meeting, councillors were told that in 2001 there were 1,362 accidents caused by fireworks nationwide, with children under 18 accounting for almost two-thirds of injuries.
Neil Fawcett, executive member for learning and culture, told Tuesday's meeting that some fireworks could be compared to weapons.
Anne Purse, executive member for waste, added: "The fireworks season seems to go on and on, and a lot of people spend a whole fortnight caring for trembling animals."
Councillors agreed to call for a reduction in the size of fireworks available by a ban on the sale of category three fireworks, other than to registered event organisers. Most category three fireworks require a 25m safety zone, and trading standards officers believe they are unsuitable for garden use. Councillors are also seeking a requirement that all events at which large fireworks are used should be registered with the council.
Nigel Strick, head of the county council's trading standards department, said: "Some of the fireworks being sold legally across the counter are huge explosives. We would prefer people to only attend organised events."

November 15 2002, This is The Lake District, Police continue disorder purge
POLICE in Ulverston trying to combat violence and youth disorder have been awarded an extra £5,000 to continue tackling the problem through the winter months.
Operation Smart was first launched in Ulverston in June last year following complaints from residents of Hart Street, Ford Park, Stanley Street, Mildam and The Gill about groups of up to 30 youths being intimidating and threatening.
But following the large amount of disorder on Hallowe'en night, which saw a firework thrown into a pub, a car being overturned and numerous vehicles damaged, acting Ulverston police inspector Nick Coughlan has been given extra funding from the police authority to continue with the initiative.

November 15 2002, This is Wiltshire, Noisy fireworks could spark off public protest
West Wiltshire District Council via its website (www.westwiltshire-.gov.uk) lists six reasons for grounds of complaint in relation to noise annoyance:
1. Is the noise frequent?
2. Does it persist for hours?
3. Is it loud?
4. Does it keep your family awake?
5. Does it make you feel ill or give you headaches?
6. Does it prevent you from doing things?
Over this past four weeks of what seems like an endless firework display, I'm sure most of us could tick more than one of the above. For those of us in charge or care of animals and pets the distress that is caused is plain for anyone to see.  The elderly are equally disturbed by such events.
Unfortunately the issue of indiscriminate firework use is a national problem. They are readily available for sale all year round and as such we can expect `bangs' at anytime. Is this socially acceptable? In my view no.
Although the council have environmental protection teams they cannot deal or indeed cope with this issue.
If this is a problem the only answer is a restriction or ban on the sale of fireworks. Subsequently, your local MP needs to be lobbied. He is: Dr Andrew Murrison MP,  Member for Westbury, The House of Commons,  London,  SW1A 0AA.
Dr J. G. H. Trowbridge.

November 15 2002, This is Worcestershire, Every night is bonfire night!
REMEMBER, remember the 5th of November... or is it the 2nd? On the other hand maybe it's the 3rd ..er.. the 4th, the 6th, 7th, 8th. When did Firework Night become Firework Week? (Not to mention all the other times throughout the year when any excuse seems to be good enough to create a hideous din).
Apart from the obvious disruption it causes to all and sundry who have this cacophony imposed on their private lives there is the equally obvious risk of bodily harm and fires. Furthermore, there appears to be scant regard paid to the poor animals whose lives are put in terror by these unheralded explosions.
Is it beyond the realms of possibility that such celebrations could be severely curtailed by the stricter enforcement of the various by-laws governing such occurrences or do we just have to accept that the quality of our lives can be eroded bit by bit?
J.  McC. Malvern.

November 15 2002, This is Worcestershire, Time for legislation
THIS letter may well have me accused of being a `killjoy'.  However, I doubt I am alone among the Malvern community in being thoroughly fed up with fireworks.  Year after year it seems we are subjected to continuous loud bangs, night after night, before and after November 5, as well as on the day itself.
This year every night for a period of two weeks before this evening of November 10 the bangs and booms have intruded into and seriously disturbed the peace and sanctity of my home. They continue as I write to you now.
Three lots of nearby neighbours, on the estate where I live, held firework parties on three separate nights between Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, November 3.
The modern `banger' has recently been tested and one of these recorded an explosion of noise equal to that of Concorde taking off! I suspect that the loudest fireworks are not really appreciated by the women or children attending these firework parties but that, in truth, they are bought and used to satisfy the male ego.
It seems to me that those people using these fireworks should think about the risks and the disturbance and distress they are causing. These loud explosions are frightening to some people, particularly among the elderly and unwell and many young children. We are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers but pets, dogs, cats spend hours during these evenings terrified.
Don't get me wrong, I am not totally anti-firework. I think well-organised, properly licensed firework displays run by experts, can be safely enjoyed. They provide a good show on a determined well-notified date, and usually last for no more than about three-quarters of an hour. The Three Counties display with music is a good example.
I think that confining our November 5 celebrations to controlled displays on that date or the nearest Saturday, if November 5 is during the week, would be acceptable and would minimise the distress currently being experienced by animals and people who find fireworks frightening.
I am sure that it is time for action to be taken to introduce controls over both the sale and the use of fireworks. The indiscriminate use of loud exploding fireworks by inexpert people who give no regard to the rights of others is totally unacceptable.
T. B. Malvern.