December 30 2002, Express and Star, Elderly step up call to outlaw fireworks
Pensioners today stepped up their campaign for fireworks to be banned in designated areas of Wolverhampton by calling on MPs to take action.  Every year in the run-up to Guy Fawkes night and over New Year elderly people are faced with the nuisance of youths letting off fireworks indiscriminately in streets. Wolverhampton Over 50s Forum vice chairman Jim Speakman wants fireworks banned in areas near old folk's homes to protect pensioners from injury and noise pollution. He plans to write to the city's three MPs and also Midlands MEP Liz Lynne to get a whole package of new regulations imposed.
Mr Speakman said fireworks frightened the elderly and also provide criminals the perfect opportunity to break into properties because they can not be heard above the noise.  Fireworks are sold in the run-up to Bonfire Night and are also available over the Christmas period for use at New Year parties.
Mr Speakman said: "We have no objections to controlled firework displays but object to people throwing fireworks and letting them off indiscriminately in the street.  "What we want is them banned in designated areas and also restrictions placed on the sale of fireworks. At the moment the sale of fireworks is governed by self regulation which is open to commercial abuse."
The initiative was put forward to West Midlands Fire Service's press officer John Fyall last month, who said he welcomed any move which reduced firework tragedies. And South East MP Dennis Turner today said he would support an entire ban on fireworks outside organised displays by the council and fire service. He said: "People are so worn out with the damage and harm they create for animals and elderly people that there is now a determined mood in Parliament to make some real changes. "I am happy to support the proposals made by the Over 50s Forum."

December 30 2002, icLanarkshire - FIREWORK SHOCK IN BACKYARD
A Greenhills woman has told how festive firework frolics brought terror into her garden.  A firework damaged her garden furniture after a powerful rocket punched a hole in a heavy table - and the Adler Crescent woman said the damage was so severe that if the firework had hit a person, it could easily have killed them.
Mrs Janet Shaw has now called on firework users to be more careful before someone is seriously hurt.  She said: "Fireworks were being used in my area on Christmas night and again on Boxing night.  "On the Friday afterwards, I was looking out of my back window and saw the remains of a rocket lying under my garden table.  "When I went to clear it up I noticed a hole in the table about the size of a saucer.  "I should point out that the garden furniture is nothing flimsy but is in fact a hard-wearing and tough table.  "My immediate thought was if it could do such damage to this piece of equipment then what could it have done to a person?"
East Kilbride, like many towns across Scotland, has been plagued with firework misuse and many town residents and community councils have called for tougher laws on their sale and the tightening of legislation for their use.
Mrs Shaw continued: "Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with fireworks and can enjoy them like everyone else.  "However, people have to use them more responsibly, otherwise tough action has to be taken to control them.  "Don't these idiots realise that when they're fired up in the air they have to come back down again?  "I honestly believe that if this had hit somebody it would have killed them."  She added: "I think it's been fired from the garden of a nearby home.  "I don't understand why people can't take them to more open spaces before letting them off.  "It's much safer and less of a risk to people and property."
East Kilbride MSP Andy Kerr has already been asked by the Scottish Parliament to look into the legislation surrounding the sale and use of fireworks, as the Executive say they are determined not to have a repeat of the high level of misuse which took place this year.

December 30 2002, ManchesterOnline - News, Ban loudest fireworks council tells ministers
THE sale of high-explosive fireworks to the general public should be banned in the New Year, says Manchester city council. Councillors are backing a Manchester Evening News campaign on fireworks and have agreed to demand that the government brings in tighter controls.  They are calling for an all-out ban on the loudest bangers and rockets and stiffer regulations on the open sale of less powerful brands.  The decision follows the campaign to ban over-the-counter sales of fireworks which are often used to terrify law-abiding residents.
Councillors praised the campaign after backing a motion at full council calling for immediate ministerial action. They want a ban on the open sale of high-explosive fireworks, a system of permits for all organised fireworks displays and restrictions on the sale of smaller fireworks to short periods before occasions such as Bonfire Night, Chinese New Year and religious festivals.
Nuisance
Bernard Stone, who put forward the motion, said the council had stopped short of asking for an out-and-out sales ban because they wanted to focus on the most menacing fireworks. "There is a view that smaller fireworks are not particularly dangerous," he said. "We are targeting the ones that cause the greatest nuisance. "Some people have to recognise that when they play with fireworks they are not the only ones that suffer the consequences. "We would like some of this to be in place next year."
The council's chief executive, Howard Bernstein, will now launch an investigation into what else the council can do - and to make their views plain to government.
Ministers have already indicated they want to stop the supply of "air bombs" and limit the supply of small rockets and the noisiest fireworks. But these measures, which come into effect in January, are voluntary, so the fireworks industry does not have to abide by them. Other Greater Manchester councils support the city council's stance and agreed that something had to be done.
National
Trafford councillor Barry Brotherton, executive member for human resources, said: "Trafford council fully supports measures to deal with the problem of noisy fireworks. However, action by one council alone is unlikely to be very effective. "Trafford supports concerted action by all local authorities, via the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities and the national Local Government Association, to get a national ban on the sale and use of anti-social fireworks."  Other councils, including Bury, Rochdale and Wigan, are calling for tighter controls on the sale of fireworks.  Wigan councillor David Molyneux said: "This is not about spoiling people's fun - it's a serious public protection issue."

December 30 2002, This is Lancashire, Don't forget pets as fireworks are set off
THE Guide Dogs for the Blind Association appeals to readers to sign our "Regulate Fireworks Now" petition, which calls for an end to the disruption and distress caused to guide dogs and their owners by fireworks.
Every year, New Year celebrations force guide dogs and other working dogs to retire after being traumatised by the irresponsible use of fireworks. Others have to be sedated, and some even retrained, leaving their owners without mobility for weeks at a time. Guide Dogs receives regular reports on the damage and disruption caused to guide dog partnerships and, over recent years, as the use of fireworks has become more widespread, the problem has escalated.
We are calling for the licensing of firework retailers and organisers of public fireworks displays; limitation of noise levels; and the specifying of a limited number of dates in the public calendar around which fireworks can be sold. Outside of these times, sales to the public would not be permitted.
Sudden loud noises can distress guide and other assistance dogs to such a degree that they are unable to continue working. This means the end of the extraordinary partnership that has taken many months and years to develop. With the lifetime cost of training, feeding, insuring and providing veterinary care running at £35,000 for each guide dog, the cost to the charity of retiring dogs part way through their working lives is enormous.
Your readers can pledge their support by logging on to Guide Dogs' website www.guidedogs.org.uk and signing the petition. Alternatively, phone us on 0118 983 8242 or email guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk for postal copies of the petition. All signatures will be presented to the Government in early 2003.
Please support our campaign. We don't want to ruin people's fun, but we don't want people's lives ruined either.
Geraldine Peacock  Chief Executive, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

December 30 2002, This is Worcestershire, Shop attack hurts woman
A WOMAN was treated for smoke inhalation following a firework attack on a restaurant in Studley.  Police say a young boy was seen to throw a "smoke grenade" into the entrance stairwell of the Village Indian restaurant in Marble Alley.  The attack left the upstairs restaurant and the adjoining milliner's shop, where the woman was, badly smoke logged.  There was nobody in the restaurant at the time of the attack at about 3.15pm on Friday, December 20.  Two retained firecrews from Alcester and Studley attended and vented the building.
Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident can call PC Trowman at Alcester Police Station on 01789 762207.

December 27 2002, icScotland - Market fireworks blast kills seven
Seven people have been killed and 26 injured after a container of fireworks exploded, detonating a gas tank in a market in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek. Workers were welding bars on the windows of a cloakroom for market employees when the fireworks container blew up. It set off a nearby gas tank.

December 27 2002, ManchesterOnline - News, Menace of festive fireworks
THEY kill, maim and mean misery for many - and they are on sale over the festive period at a store near you.
Despite fireworks causing a catalogue of injuries in the run-up to Bonfire Night, many of Britain's major stores are stocking them throughout the holiday period, allowing the danger and nuisance to continue.
Despite many MPs and senior police officers calling for tighter restrictions on selling fireworks, many major shops now view the festive period as a money-spinning opportunity to sell even more.
Despite thousands of people lobbying MPs and councillors, calling for restrictions on their sale, it appears the menace caused by fireworks is spreading through the year rather than just existing for the few weeks around Bonfire Night.
The Manchester Evening News is campaigning for a total ban on the over-the-counter sale of fireworks. We have discovered Asda, Morrisons, Woolworths and Selfridges in the Trafford Centre are all selling fireworks over the festive period.
The shops say they are meeting a demand from customers.
But one former customer, 81-year-old Jim Rowbotham, today blasted the sale of fireworks as "out of control."
Jim, from Heywood, can speak from first-hand experience of the dangers of fireworks.
Four years ago, he was helping set off fireworks at a Rotary Club display when one of them blew up, flew into his shoulder and showered sparks into his face. He was in so much pain he thought he had broken his shoulder and his face was scarred.
Regulation
"I don't want to ban all fireworks, but there must be some sort of regulation about these things," he said. "Some of these fireworks are like bombs now, they make such big bangs. "I would hate to see people having their fun spoiled. But at the moment, there is no real control over who buys them and when they can be bought.  "They are dangerous and should only be sold in the two weeks before Bonfire Night."
Jim is backed by his local MP Jim Dobbin. Mr Dobbin, Labour MP for Heywood and Middleton, said: "Selling fireworks over the festive period is irresponsible when the government is looking for a voluntary code of practice from the industry.  "I am pushing for a total ban on the public sale and public use of fireworks. "Fireworks need to be supervised and safe. These over-the-counter sales are not safe."
Asda said the selling of festive fireworks was a recent development, inspired by the Millennium celebrations. A spokesman said: "We only sell fireworks two times a year - from October 13 to just after Bonfire Night and from December 15 to New Year's Day.  "People are wanting them more now for the festive period, as it has caught on after the Millennium. But we comply with the law and we make checks on the ages of everyone we sell to."
Woolworths said it sells fireworks in the run-up to Bonfire Night and from Christmas Eve to January 2; while Morrisons said it sells them for the last two weeks of December as well as before Bonfire Night. But it believes it does all it can to prevent buyers being injured - or injuring anyone else.
Charter
A spokesman said: "We have developed a fireworks charter in line with the Department of Trade and Industry. We do not sell the airbomb or whistling types of firework and we restrict our selling to people who are old enough to legally buy them."
Selfridges said it would not consider taking fireworks off the shelves of its store in the Trafford Centre and stressed it was acting within the law by selling them.  A company statement said: "Selfridges has a strict firework policy in its Trafford Centre and London stores and requires proof of identity from all customers. Selfridges only sells high-quality fireworks, which contain comprehensive safety instructions."
Barton Grange Garden Centre, Woodford, is one of many garden centres and other retailers selling fireworks in the region. Manager Mark Shaw said the centre sold fireworks in the three weeks leading up to both Bonfire Night and New Year. "We work very closely with Trading Standards and the fire service to ensure everything is done properly," he said. "If any legislation was introduced, we would be only too happy to comply."
Greater Manchester Fire Service's County Fire Officer Barry Dixon has said that fireworks should only be used in a controlled environment at public displays. And Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Michael Todd, has backed our campaign for a total ban on sales.
The M.E.N. is calling for legislation to control the sale of fireworks and to restrict them to organised displays arranged by qualified people. Measures being introduced by the government next month include asking the fireworks industry not to supply air bombs, ensure no firework is louder than 120 decibels and limit the supply of rockets.

December 26 2002, icBirmingham - Fireworks campaigners seek support
Campaigners in Birmingham are using the festive holiday to highlight the need for firework licences in an effort to put a stop to late-night displays and the illegal trade in pyrotechnics.  Concerned residents across the city want tighter controls placed on purchasing fireworks and when they can be used.  They claim the introduction of a firework licence would stop bangers and rockets being used in the street and set off throughout the night.  The group is now drawing up a petition to lobby the council and the Government to introduce new laws that will restrict the sale of fireworks and times when they can be used.
Local campaigner Martin Straker-Wells said his major worry was the time of year fireworks were lit. "The firework season now lasts from late October, through Bonfire Night and Diwali, into Christmas and the New Year and cause a lot of people a lot of distress," he said.  "Fireworks being let off at midnight is just not suitable and frightens a lot of people, especially the elderly, in their homes.  "We do not want to stop the fun of fireworks as they bring a lot of pleasure to a lot of people, but we believe they should be used properly. At the moment, guidelines are not satisfactory."  He added that hundreds of people in the Moseley area of Birmingham had already signed the petition.
Coun Margaret Wells (Lab, Stockland Green), chairman of the city council's Public Protection Committee, is also a member of the group calling for the noise level of fireworks to be reduced as well as the introduction of licences. Concerned residents in Birmingham could contact the Council Forum or local neighbourhood offices on 0121 303 1111.
Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson recently announced tough new measures designed to reduce the number of injuries caused by fireworks.  Youths caught throwing fireworks will face on-the-spot £40 fines from police as part of a pilot scheme being trialed in the region.  Air bombs and small whistle rockets, which are responsible for causing more than a quarter of firework-related accidents in the West Midlands, have been banned as part of the scheme.
Figures from the Birmingham based Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents show that 1,362 firework injuries happened across the country during October and November last year, 787 of which were to youngsters aged 17 and under.
Dr Lynne Jones, Labour MP for Selly Oak, has already backed the campaign and said Government plans for on-the-spot fines for youths throwing fireworks did not go far enough.  Dr Jones said licences issued to anyone wanting to use fireworks - for family parties or weddings and large events - would stop them being set off throughout the night.  She also claimed licences would also help to crack down on illegal firework sales. Police would be able to check buyers' details more quickly.  "Licences are a simple and effective way to stop the young getting their hands on fireworks and I want to see a ban on fireworks to everyone who does not hold a licence," she said.

December 24 2002, BBCi Yorkshire Region, Homes evacuated after explosion in car
Dozens of people were evacuated from about 20 houses in the early hours after a firework exploded in a car.  Police Officers found a damaged Ford Escort when they arrived in Church Lane, Cross Gates, Leeds at 2.20am.
An Army Bomb Disposal Team was called out after a suspect device was seen in a second car nearby.  They made safe and recovered a large firework from the car.  No one was injured, and residents stayed in the nearby Manston Hotel until they were given the all clear to return home

December 24 2002, This is Plymouth, MP's welcome restrictions on fireworks
Tighter restrictions on the supply of fireworks that come into force in the New Year have been welcomed by North Devon MP Nick Harvey.  From January 1 the new regulations will ban air bombs and also limit the supply of very noisy fireworks and small rockets.  The voluntary sales agreement between retailers on selling fireworks will also be strengthened.
Liberal Democrat MP Mr Harvey said: "From New Year's Day there will be new rules which should reduce the disruption caused by very loud or dangerous fireworks being let off on our streets. Air bombs are to be banned, and the sale of particularly loud fireworks and small rockets is to be restricted. It is encouraging that the Department for Trade and Industry has responded to pressure on this issue."
The move has also been backed by Yeovil MP David Laws, who said: "This is good news for the many people who enjoy fireworks displays, but who are concerned about the inconsiderate or dangerous use of fireworks. I have recently received a number of complaints from residents from Yeovil, Ilminster, Crewkerne and Chard who were disturbed by noisy fireworks being let off in the street. Hopefully, these new rules will help prevent this from happening next year."
Earlier this year a package of measures was announced by Melanie Johnson, the Minister for Consumers, with the aim of reducing noise and nuisance from fireworks. These include a pilot in four areas of £40 fixed penalty notices for letting off fireworks in the street.

December 23 2002, BBC NEWS, Footballer denies firework charge
A Shrewsbury Town footballer has pleaded not guilty to injuring a teenage girl in an alleged incident involving a firework.  Luke Rogers appeared before a judge at Warwick Crown Court charged with causing bodily harm to the girl.  The 21-year-old, who is one of Shrewsbury's leading goal-scorers, is alleged to have thrown a lit firework, which hit the 16-year-old student as she was walking near her home in Castle Bromwich on 10 October.
The girl was treated in hospital for serious burns. An order has been imposed banning the media from naming the girl.  During a brief hearing on Monday, Mr Rogers, from Hodge Hill, Birmingham, denied the charge.
The case was adjourned until 21 January and Mr Rogers was granted bail.

December 23 2002, BBC NEWS, Woman hurt in firework attack
A woman has been injured in a firework attack on an Indian restaurant in Warwickshire.  The firework that was thrown at the Village Indian restaurant in Marble Alley, Studley is described as a "smoke grenade".  It exploded near the front door of the business and left a woman in a milliners' shop next door needing treatment for smoke inhalation.  Nobody else was hurt, although some goods were damaged.  The restaurant was closed at the time of the attack, at about 1515 GMT on 20 December.  Police believe a young boy threw the firework and have appealed for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.

December 19 2002, Evening Chronicle, Two hurt by firework
A high-powered firework has left two teenagers in hospital.  The 17-year-olds lit the firework which they had found in the road in Deptford Terrace, Pallion, Sunderland. The device, which is only for sale to organised events, exploded, leaving both youths with facial injuries and one with burns to his hands. Police are investigating how the firework came to be in the street yesterday afternoon.

December 19 2002, This is The Lake District, Fireworks issue proves explosive
SIR, I was interested to read the letter from Kevin J. Lancaster, a member of South Lakeland District Council (letters, December 13, Overreaction'). This is the very first comment I have seen or heard against firework controls.
How far out of this world is this councillor? Thousands of people all over the country, MPs of all parties and members of none, are all complaining about the excessive noise and the great frequency of fireworks.
I notice that he mentions banning fireworks, yet I have re-read our letter and Mr Farron's (Gazette, December 6) and there is absolutely no suggestion of banning, only asking for controls. He states that there is a myriad of statue law for that purpose already. Would he like to tell us what they are? The DTI certainly doesn't know them nor do the police and environment officers. Most of the rules are voluntary with the industry and, therefore, not actionable in law!
Trevor F. Hinxman, The Windermere Campaign for Firework Controls.

December 19 2002, This is Worcestershire, Petition for fireworks reform
I HAVE followed the recent fireworks correspondence with interest.   Ms Parker questions the IQ of some pet owners (Letters, November 28). Surely then she must question her own when keeping animals caged and unable to flee from fireworks. This correspondence could run and run, but for those of us who care enough about our animals, please go to the RSPCA website at www.rspca.org.uk and click on "Campaigns".
There you will find a petition calling for a reform of firework regulations.
S. B. Kidderminster

December 18 2002, This is Local London, Take firework action
I write regarding your article headed "Sick of Fireworks" (December 11).  Since the last week of September to quite recently, we have had to listen to these explosions at all times of the day.  What used to be a fortnight for children has turned into more like a battle zone, and we should not have to endure the same next year.
I myself am all for displays only, charging a small fee, which could go to charity.
I do urge your readers to contact their MP, also write to the following address, who are also campaigning for a ban.
National Campaign For Firework Safety, 118 Long Acre, Covent Garden, London, WC2 9PA
C. C. New Addington

December 17 2002, East Anglian Daily Times - Slap tax on fireworks
Sir, - Re: J Hollowell's letter in EADT, December 5, 2002, regarding November 5 being celebrated over such a long period. If these people who do this have such a vast amount of money to burn why not put a very heavy extra tax on fireworks, say 10 per cent? This could help to pay the fire service a decent wage as this is their busiest time of the year.
C. R. H. A. Bungay

December 16 2002, Evening Chronicle, Firework ban is backed by 1,700

A Campaign in Blyth Valley to control firework sales has been backed by more than 1,700 people.
Brenda Todd, of Langley Avenue, Blyth, launched the campaign earlier this year to see stricter control of fireworks and a ban on sales before November.  With the help of friends Ann Rendle and Hazel Richardson, she has gathered a petition of 1,722 signatures, with 30 forms still to be collected, in support of the proposal.

Blyth Valley MP Ronnie Campbell, who plans to take the petition to Parliament, said he shares the residents' concerns. "The thing that worries me about fireworks is the power of them because they are very noisy and very powerful," he said.  "I will be taking this petition to the minister responsible because this is the time to do it.  "A Criminal Justice Bill is coming forward shortly and when it does we want get something written into it about fireworks."

December 13 2002, icNorthWales - The moment a blast shook a quiet village
POLICE were last night hunting hoaxers who left a fake bomb in a telephone kiosk in North Wales.
Dozens of people were evacuated as bomb disposal experts blew up the suspect device in High Street, Rhuddlan, late on Wednesday evening. The fake bomb, described as a package with a flashing red light, was discovered on a shelf in a phone booth following a telephone warning to police.
It was the latest in a series of incidents at phone kiosks across North Wales.
Vandals have recklessly set off fireworks inside kiosks nine times during recent weeks. Two went off in Rhos-on-Sea this week and another exploded in Talybont in the Conwy Valley.

December 13 2002, ManchesterOnline - News, Fireworks - We won't let our campaign fizzle out
THE Manchester Evening News. is stepping up its campaign for a ban on over-the-counter sales of fireworks. It is over a month since bonfire night - and yet STILL there are deafening fireworks going off, shattering the peace and scaring the life out of householders, particularly the elderly.
Every year, young yobs throw fireworks around causing injury to innocent people, pets - and very often themselves. This year, one 15-year-old boy had most of his hand blown off when he picked up a live rocket.
And the M.E.N. is determined our campaign will not fizzle out just because bonfire night has passed for another year. Already we have delivered to the department of trade and industry a dossier of articles and readers letters (from one of the biggest postbags we've ever received) about the fireworks nuisance.
Now we've gone one step further.  We have written to every single MP in the country asking them where they stand on the issue.  We have also written to every chief constable and every chief fire officer - in total almost 800 letters. To each we've asked whether they support:
A total ban on the sale of fireworks to the public (except to people holding approved, organised displays).
A partial ban - for instance only allowing fireworks to be sold from approved and carefully monitored premises for a limited period (possibly one week) before November 5.
No ban at all.
So far, the results of this survey - though not complete - are encouraging. Of the MPs who have replied to date, nearly all are in favour of either a total or partial ban.
Two MPs didn't bother to give us an answer - they simply wrote back saying they 'make it a practice not to respond to questionnaires'.
In our view that's not good enough. This isn't some pointless survey but an important matter of public safety and public order and as elected representatives of the public they should declare their views.
Both MPs - transport secretary Alistair Darling (Edinburgh) and Helen Liddell (Airdrie) - have had a letter back from us, pointing that out.
We will let you know the full results of our survey when all replies are in - and then hopefully we will be in a position to present the government with a weight of opinion they can't ignore.

December 13 2002, ManchesterOnline - News, Our own fire chief constable backs total ban
ALL the fire chiefs who have responded to our survey to date have backed either a total or partial ban on the sale of fireworks.  So far, and it is still early days, the vast majority favour a total ban, and the rest a partial ban.
Many wrote to congratulate the M.E.N. on our campaign. One, Peter Jones, county fire officer for Gloucestershire, said: "This is excellent work, well done."
Another, Roy Williamson, chief fire officer for Humberside, wrote: "People injured, fires started, noise disturbance over a two month period . . . this must be classed as anti-social and is certainly a disgraceful lack of consideration with regards to animals."
Disappointingly, many of the police chief constables who have so far responded simply referred us to the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) for their view. ACPO told us they were carrying out a study into the issue and at present wouldn't give us a view.
But five chief constables who WERE prepared to stand up and be counted voted for a total or partial ban.
They included Greater Manchester's own chief constable Michael Todd who backed our campaign by voting for a total ban.
One strange response came from Terry Grange, chief constable for Dyfed Powys. He voted for no ban at all, and added the following comment: "The elderly, and I am close to being one, used to throw fireworks around.
"When do we ban kids standing in groups and chatting noisily? Why don't we just ban childhood?"

December 13 2002, This is Lancashire, Traders will be prosecuted for under-age sales
A NEW warning has been issued to shopkeepers about selling fireworks to children, following the conviction of a trader for allowing a 12-year-old girl to buy an airbomb.  The warning comes as fireworks increasingly become a popular part of party celebrations for New Year, as well as the tradition of Bonfire night.
Speaking following the court case, Sean Hogan, chairman of the Bolton Bonfire and Firework Safety Strategy Group said: "The illegal sale of fireworks causes us great concern because when children get hold of fireworks they pose a danger to themselves and others.  "This is why the Trading Standards department, which is a member of our group, has vigorously pursued retailers suspected of this highly irresponsible practice.  "We welcome news of this shopkeeper's conviction as it sends out a strong message to others in Bolton that this won't be tolerated."
The group is a partnership of police, fire and Bolton Council representatives.
As reported in the Bolton Evening News, Atesh Ramesh Patel, aged 24, pleaded guilty at Bolton Magistrates Court to selling a firework -- a packet of £2.99 Thunder King Air Bombs -- to a girl apparently under 18 at his shop, News and Booze, in Deane Road, Bolton.  He was fined £1,000. The court heard that a shop assistant, Mr Patel's sister Darshna, sold the girl a packet of air bomb fireworks without checking the girl's age. The court heard that Patel had not been in the store at the time and that when confronted by a trading standards officer, Darshna said her brother had told her not sell any fireworks to anyone under 18. Since the incident, Patel said he had sent a note round to staff repeating to them not to sell fireworks to children under 18 and that he had received a booklet about the laws.

December 12 2002, Express and Star, Council hits out at fireworks backlash
District councillors have hit back at criticism from a parish council which slammed the authority for wasting money on lavish fireworks to celebrate Christmas. Norton Canes parish councillors last week slammed Cannock Chase Council for the dramatic fireworks display which marked the Cannock's Christmas Extravaganza. They claimed that the money would have been better spent on festive lights throughout the district which would have been in place for several weeks, instead of a few minutes of fireworks. But the council has said it played no part in the celebrations. 
Councillor Dennis Dixon said: "The council has been criticised for putting Cannock celebrations before the villages in the district and I want to set the record straight. "These criticisms are unfounded as the Cannock Extravaganza was hosted by the Town Centre Management Partnership, which is made up of representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Cannock Shopping Centre and Pritchard Holdings Ltd. "The council did take an active role in the organisation by erecting the lights and co-ordinating road closures, however the actual cost of the event including the fireworks was picked up by the partnership," he said. "The council will continue to maintain the lights throughout Christmas and remove them in January. "The council is committed to addressing the issue of Christmas decorations across the district and a special scrutiny sub committee of councillors has been set up to specifically examine how provision should be allocated in the future," he added.
Councillor Zaphne Stretton, who serves on the parish council and is a member of the sub-committee, said: "We have set up this committee for the purpose of examining the issues relating to Christmas decorations across the district. "We aim to work in partnership with parish councils, the wider  community and business and commerce to address how we can deliver Christmas decorations to the whole of the community."

December 12 2002, This is Wiltshire, Firework ban
IF anyone is interested in the proposed ban of the sale of fireworks to the general public, they should write to the National Campaign for Firework Safety, 118 Long Acre, Covent Garden, London WC2 9PA.
B. M. Chippenham

December 10 2002, This is Devon,  Councillor demanding limit on firework sales
With a number of city shops still selling fireworks more than a month after November 5, an Exeter councillor wants a limit of sales to two days before Bonfire Night. Cllr Connel Boyle said hundreds of people across the city wanted action to stop rockets and bangers being let off all year round. He is calling on shops to restrict selling fireworks to 48 hours before November 5 and on some religious festivals.  His comments came after 1,000 people signed two city petitions calling on the Government to ban unlicensed firework displays. Cllr Boyle said: "Shops do have a duty of care to the community they serve and that must extend to the sale of fireworks. It is chaos at the moment.  "There is no control over how fireworks are actually used. Shops are happy to sell the fireworks without any consideration to who is using them and how they are going to be used. "Getting the shops to voluntarily stop selling them is something we can raise through the city council, but unfortunately I think it is unlikely shops would do that."
The Echo yesterday found several shops in the city which were still selling fireworks. Shop owners say there has been an increase in demand for fireworks all year round since the millennium celebrations nearly three years ago.
At Sidwell News, in Sidwell Street, the owner refused to comment on Cllr Boyle's calls. The owner of another firework outlet, Let's Party in Fore Street, was not available for comment. One Exeter shopkeeper who did not want to be named, said she would not stop selling fireworks. She said: "I sell them because there is a demand for them. It is not a massive demand. A lot of people have them as a culmination of a party.  "I don't know anyone who is objecting to fireworks being sold. We have never had a single complaint."
The two city petitions, one in the Beacon Heath area and another in St Thomas and Wonford, have already collected up to 1,000 signatures.
The Echo reported claims last month that petrified city pensioners had been hiding under tables because bomb-like fireworks reminded them of the Blitz.  Residents say fireworks have been noisier this year than in previous years, leaving pet cats and dogs terrified.  Cllr Boyle says he and Wonford councillor Olwen Foggin have received dozens of requests from people to take action.  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 in fright at the noise.
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.
Cllr Boyle said: "I would say fireworks should be sold only days before Bonfire Night, say just 48 hours. There are a few religious festivals we could make an exception for."

December 6 2002, icCoventry - MPs back firework petition
Coventry's three MPs, Bob Ainsworth, Jim Cunningham and Geoffrey Robinson, are supporting a petition by the city council to curb the use of dangerous fireworks. The council has applied to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott for a bylaw to restrict the hours during which people can set off fireworks. It also seeks tighter controls enabling local authorities to restrict the sale and licensing of fireworks. The application is expected to be considered in the near future. The council is also collecting public support for the petition.
Signature forms have been circulated in doctors' and veterinary surgeries, shops, and residential care homes and will go out this week to people who have previously contacted the council about firework misuse.
Cllr John McNicholas, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "Changes need to come from central government to give local authorities more power to act.
"We would urge people who are concerned about fireworks to sign our petition and show the government that we have public backing for changes."
Copies of the petition can be found in the Council House and at Broadgate House and other council offices, and at some libraries and secondary schools.

December 6 2002, Press Release, SNP Welcome Moves Towards Firework Licensing
Dundee SNP politicians have welcomed moves by COSLA and the Scottish Executive to support a licensing regime for the sale of fireworks. COSLA, at its meeting in Paisley today, agreed to Councillor Joe FitzPatrick's amendment "COSLA will also press the Scottish Executive to agree to a licensing regime."
Councillor FitzPatrick said "I am glad that COSLA saw fit to support this move. Fireworks are a major problem in Dundee and licensing at the point of sale will help to stamp out their misuse."
Shona Robison MSP said "I understand that the Minister for Finance and Public Services, Andy Kerr, indicated the Executive's support for licensing. I welcome their commitment to the proposals within my Private Members Bill before Parliament. The Executive must bring forward an amendment to the Local Government Act which would achieve these aims."

December 5 2002, East Anglian Daily Times - Fireworks go on and on
Sir, - Re your articles on fireworks and pets. A friend from Liverpool told me the fireworks have been going on for weeks before and after bonfire night and his dog is now in a high anxiety state. I stopped taking my little dog out. She was afraid and I didn't know where the next firework was coming from.
Having a firework display in the park when it is not Guy Fawkes night is not a good idea and should be presented on November 5. There is no point in it otherwise. This would avoid having all the big bangs from Christchurch Park followed by more a few days later on the real November 5.
J. H. Ipswich

December 5 2002, Leeds Today, City sends out call to back YEP campaign
THE city of Leeds has sent out a clear message that it will not tolerate more firework mayhem following the misery in the run-up to this year's celebrations. Councillors unanimously passed a motion calling on the Government to introduce legislation to tackle the growing problem of the misuse of fireworks. The move comes after the Yorkshire Evening Post launched a campaign for tighter controls on their sale and use.
We received a flood of phone calls, letters and emails from readers backing our stance. Last night, city councillors passed a White Paper which calls on Tony Blair to "act without delay to introduce legislation which can be put in place before similar problems occur next year".
Labour councillor Brian Walker, who proposed the motion, paid tribute to the part played by the YEP. He said: "The Yorkshire Evening Post campaign has been very helpful as it helps to raise awareness of the problem. "We are hoping the Government will tighten up the legislation to give us powers to combat this menace in time for next year."
The YEP revealed how yobs had fired them at people in the street, cars and into shops and homes.
Two-year-old Lewis Ireland had his arm scarred by a rocket which exploded after being hurled through the door of his home in Seacroft, Leeds. And several phone and post boxes were also blown up by fireworks.
Coun Andrew Carter, leader of the Conservative group on the council, added his support to the demand for tighter controls on fireworks. He also called for the council to be given new powers to regulate and license both their sale and use. Coun Carter said: "We have suffered the most horrendous eight or nine weeks of constant firework misuse.  "What I would call display fireworks are on sale to the general public and can be used as offensive weapons to terrorise people."

December 5 2002, This is Bradford, Letters to the Editor, Silent fireworks
SIR, - Living on Skipton Road adjacent to another venue for loud noisy firework displays, I have to agree with the your letter writers' sentiments about the frequency, noise level and timing of this so-called entertainment.
On Wednesday evening of last week there was a beautiful display from a house near Ilkley Golf Club, one of several held each year. But unlike the charity event reported in your newspaper last week, these fireworks were virtually silent.
I would suggest that if a byelaw is to be successful, and hopefully satisfy both camps, the byelaw should state that all displays after 8 pm be of the silent type.
J. C. B. Ilkley.

December 5 2002, This is York, Fireworks man is fined
A MAN who set off a firework in a York street after police intervened in a domestic incident has been given a £210 court bill. Kevin Bucknell, 41, swore at officers when they told him he would receive a summons for his pyrotechnic display in Fossway, said Valerie McMinn, prosecuting at York Magistrates Court. So they arrested him and found a lock knife in his pocket.  Bucknell, a cleaner, of Fossway, pleaded guilty to lighting a firework in a street, a public order offence and carrying a knife in public.
Magistrates fined him £150 with £60 costs and ordered the knife's destruction. Ms McMinn said that police were called to a domestic incident between Bucknell and his partner on Friday evening. Bucknell, who had been drinking, left the couple's home, followed by the officers. As they drove away, the police saw Bucknell set off the firework.  For Bucknell, Kevin Blount said his client was annoyed that police had been called. He had left the home to stay with his mother, taking his work clothes and other items with him. He had not realised they included his lock knife in his work trousers' pocket. He had not injured anyone else with the firework, which went straight up into the air. The couple were now reconciled.

December 4 2002, icCheshireOnline - South Cheshire Chronicle letters
I WRITE with reference to the letter from Steve Cleaver of Nemesis Fireworks (November 20).  He indicated that he thought there was no need for further regulation to control the use of fireworks as the existing regulations, if enforced, were sufficient. As Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council's portfolio holder for public protection, I cannot agree. His point that a criminal offence is committed if fireworks are let off in the street is simply not true.
However, he is correct in that the sale of fireworks can only be undertaken with the benefit of a licence issued by the county Trading Standards office. Therefore, the sale of fireworks from public houses, car boot sales and white vans is illegal.  Cheshire Trading Standards officers have been undertaking covert observations in an attempt to reveal these sales. Fortunately, this year no-one has been found to sell fireworks from these types of premises.
Noise from fireworks is an increasing problem and the borough council's environmental health officers have received many more complaints over the past 12 months, particularly in the weeks leading up to and after Bonfire Night. It is not easy for environmental health officers to take action against the people who indiscriminately use explosives and put fear and terror into people, dogs, cats and other livestock.
Often these are one-off events which are not publicised, and probably last no more than 10 to 20 minutes.
The areas where prosecutions could take place are premises where firework displays regularly take place and a pattern can be established.
Mr Cleaver indicated that he only sold British Safety Standards of fireworks in Categories Two and Three.
I think he squarely misses the point that these types of fireworks also explode with a very loud bang.
Earlier this year a private member's bill was introduced in Parliament to control the sale and use of fireworks. Unfortunately, that bill did not come to fruition although it is generally accepted that tighter control needs to be placed on the sale of fireworks.
It is my personal opinion that the use of fireworks by members of the public should be banned and only safe, organised firework displays should be allowed.
CLLR MAURICE JONES Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council

December 4 2002, icCoventry - Sign for change in firework legislation
The City Council is reminding residents who want a change in the use and sale of fireworks to sign a petition before the 20th December that will be sent to the Deputy Prime Minister.
The petition has been launched by the Council to show public support in favour of its application to the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, for a by-law to restrict the hours that people can use fireworks.
It also seeks tighter controls for local authorities to restrict the sale and licensing of fireworks.
The City Council has received an acknowledgement from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister this week that the application has been received and will be considered shortly.
The petition will be sent to Mr Prescott in the new year as evidence of public support for the Council's application.
To date the petition has been sent to local Councillors, doctors' surgeries, veterinary surgeons, pet shops, residential care homes and will go out this week to people who have previously contacted the City Council about firework misuse.
The petition has also gone to all schools in the city and has the support of seven MPs from Plymouth to Dundee - in addition to the three signatures of Coventry's own MPs.
Councillor John McNicholas, Cabinet Member (Environment and Transport), said: "The Good Neighbour Code has been a positive step in reminding people of the issues surrounding fireworks, but changes need to come from Central Government to give local authorities more power to act. We would urge people that are concerned about fireworks to sign our petition and show the Government that we have public backing for these changes."
Copies of the petition can be found in the Council House, the Your Living Environment reception in Broadgate House, other Council offices in addition to some libraries and secondary schools.

December 4 2002, This is Somerset, CURBS SOUGHT ON FIREWORKS
The letting-off of fireworks is causing distress to elderly people and to pets, according to some Wellington town councillors who are to write to MP Adrian Flook. The issue was raised on Monday by chairman Ross Henley, who said the problem had been worse than ever this year with loud fireworks still being let off right up to the end of November. "I have received a number of complaints about the distress caused, " he said, and suggested sales be limited to the first week in November. 
Cllr Maurice Jennings agreed: "If you have a pet you know what agony they go through when fireworks are set off. "I don't want to see fireworks banned, but I would like to see a limit to the period when they can be used. All I ask is that people are sensible with them." Cllr Shirley Angus suggested the only way to curtail the use of fireworks was to stop their sale to the public and just allow official displays.
Cllr John Angus pointed out that after November 5 fireworks were on sale at halfprice, which made the situation worse.
But Cllr Peter Watkin said: "It is a great pity when public bodies try to make something unlawful when it is just a pleasant pastime which is abused by some people. That is the price we pay for a free society.  "It is the actions of those who abuse the use of fireworks which are illegal and they should be prosecuted. We live in a yob culture that is what we want to ban." After some debate it was agreed to write to the Wellington and Taunton Chambers of Trade suggesting there should be a limit on the period fireworks are sold.
Councillors also agreed to write to Mr Flook regarding legislation on the use of large fireworks and their import, and seeking clarification on the unlawful use of fireworks.
Cllr Andrew Govier pointed out that Jo Steer from Milverton had organised a national campaign and petition against the indiscriminate use of fireworks, especially where there were animals, and it was agreed to contact her to find out more.

December 3 2002, This is Local London, Lit firework in postbox
CHRISTMAS mail was left charred after a firework blew up a postbox.  The red pillar box, in Farnaby Road, Bromley, had its door blown off when youths shoved a lit firework into it at about 4.30pm on December 1.
Firefighters from Bromley fire station took care of the explosion while Bromley police took away the damaged mail.  A spokesman for Bromley fire station said: "Fortunately, nobody was injured."

December 2 2002, East Anglian Daily Times - Fireworks being used dangerously by yobs
Sir, - A few yobs may be enjoying themselves but many suffer including animals by the dangerous mis-use of fireworks around our streets at all times. I too recall the 1930s with policemen around most villages and a clip around the ear for loutish behaviour and another available from the parents if required and it did no harm to anyone in later life.
The money they now have to fool away often comes as both parents work, and many children know little about a settled home life. They roam the streets without a policeman in sight or a word of correction from parents.
J. C. Ipswich.

December 2 2002, Leeds Today, Fight for new laws goes to Europe
THE Yorkshire Evening Post's campaign for tough controls on fireworks is being taken to Europe.
Our campaign, calling for a ban on firework sales until 10 days before Bonfire Night and a new licensing system to control displays, has been backed by a Yorkshire MEP.
David Bowe, Yorkshire Labour Euro MP, now has a copy of a House of Commons report leaked to the YEP.
On the back of the report and thanks to pressure from both the YEP and our readers, Mr Bowe has now vowed to take the campaign into Europe.
"I will be taking it to the European Commission to see whether it would be practical to legislate on a Europe-wide basis," said the MEP.
It is hoped that the European Commission may be able to have an impact on the misery caused across the country by the irresponsible sale and use of fireworks.
"I will be asking a series of questions to the commission to see if it would be worthwhile and feasible to produce some kind of European law on the sale of fireworks," Mr Bowe said.
Harrogate housewife Marjorie Johnson, who has spent years calling for action to stop yobs running amok with fireworks in the streets, is right behind the YEP campaign.
She said: "We are going to keep piling on the pressure. The noise is still with us each night, the idiots are still wreaking havoc â€" this issue is as important as ever."
The leaked report, which we reported on last month, shows that Britain's fireworks laws lag behind those of other European nations.
The French and German governments split fireworks into four categories according to how much explosive they contain.
In Germany, all but the smallest fireworks are banned by law from being sold for most of the year.
Category 2 fireworks can only be bought by over-18s between December 28 and 31. Fireworks in the other categories can only be sold to authorised experts.
In France, only experts can handle larger fireworks and display organisers have to alert the authorities 15 days before an event. People holding private firework displays also have to tell their local fire station.

December 2 2002, This is Leicestershire, FIREWORK CHAOS SPARKS APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT
A record number of complaints about nuisance fireworks is being packaged up and sent to the Government along with a demand for action. Leicester City Council has received 311 complaints about nuisance fireworks over the past couple of months - six times as many as last year - and they are still coming in.
Now, the authority is packaging up all the complaints it has received, as well as the dozens of letters of complaint published in the Leicester Mercury, and is sending them to the Government asking for them to look into restricting the sale of fireworks.
This year, the city council and the Leicester Mercury joined forces to run a campaign raising awareness about the misery caused by anti-social use of fireworks.
Adrian Russell, the council's regulatory services director, said: "Firework complaints are still coming in to us, but we intend to put together all the complaints and letters to the Mercury and send them to the Government to urge it to take action.
"The Government is publishing proposals on fireworks, such as prohibiting the use of excessively noisy fireworks in certain areas.
"But our concern is that there would be a problem enforcing that, as there's no way you can catch people letting off fireworks in the middle of the night. We would be looking for better control of the type of fireworks on sale."
Environment spokesman Councillor Nigel Holden, who spearheaded the campaign, said: "I'm not at all surprised by the volume of complaints because the campaign by the council and the Mercury raised awareness of the irresponsible use of fireworks, which means people will work with us to eradicate the problem.
"We will now look into the best ways of solving this, but taking into account the festivals that take place around Bonfire Night."
Leicester East MP Keith Vaz said: "There should be controls on the sale of fireworks.
"I have had so many constituents expressing concern to me about what is happening. This can only be solved through greater control."
Ursula Green, of Rowley Fields, said: "I have noticed that the firework season has been going on far longer this year and there's more firework debris around."
Her neighbour, Billy Jenkins, said: "Steps should be taken to make these things illegal. I have noticed that fireworks are going off all over the place at the moment."
The council's ruling cabinet will decide what steps to call for in January, before submitting the complaints to the Government.
A Government spokesman said officials would look into any concerns raised by the city council in due course.