November 2 2003, BBC NEWS  UK  England  West Yorkshire  Firework explodes in bedroom
The firework came in through the bedroom window  A house in a Leeds village has been badly damaged by a firework which exploded in a bedroom.
Fire officers and police are investigating whether it was deliberately targeted at the house The bedroom is normally occupied by 20-month-old Olivia Ashley but she is teething and had been taken downstairs just minutes earlier. Her mother Alex said: "It devastated the whole bedroom. If Olivia had been in her cot she would have been dead."
Emergency services were called to the house in Belle Vue Road in Scholes at 2225 GMT on Saturday.  Olivia would normally have been in the bedroom  The firework broke a window on its way in and landed in the bedroom. Another bedroom and the bathroom were also damaged by the blast. The firework appears to have been launched from a tube set in front of the house.
The tube has been taken away for forensic examination. West Yorkshire Police say their inquires are continuing and have  appealed for witnesses to come forward.

November 2 2003, BBC News, Widdicombe Fury at letter box Firework
A Kent MP is furious with Hallowe'en trick or treaters, who let a firework off through her letter box.
Maidstone and Weald MP Anne Widdicombe was with her 92 year old mother in her London home when the incident happened . 
Miss Widdicombe said her elderly mother was extremely shaken by the stunt and she was angry the act was carried out under the guise of having fun.
"There is now an incipient violence, a nasty edge coming into what should have been just pure childish fun", she said .

November 2 2003, IcWales, Halloween night death
A DOTING grandad died after chasing a gang of Halloween trick or treaters on a night when thousands of other people across Wales were terrorised by youngsters. Don Rennie, 73, suffered a suspected heart attack after chasing a gang of youths who threw eggs at his house.

Police said Mr Rennie, a retired security guard and former special constable, loved children and had sweets ready in their Runcorn house, in Cheshire, for children. Don's wife Betty Rennie said: "He was a great husband and a good father. He loved his grandchildren." Three youths who were questioned by police in connection with the incident were later released without charge.

In Wales, trick or treaters caused havoc with thousands of reports of nuisance behaviour. Youngsters frightened neighbours young and old with some people reporting that eggs and fireworks were being pushed through their letter boxes.

In South Wales, police were inundated with more than 2,500 calls. Inspector Steve Evans said the number was similar to last year, but 600 more than last Friday night. Extra patrols were carried out across the force and more staff were working in the control room to take calls. As with other forces, South Wales Police had begun their assault on Halloween revellers before the night itself in order to keep incidents to a minimum.

Insp Evans said: "We increased the number of patrols throughout South Wales and in the run-up to Halloween we made visits to schools and shops to try and prevent damage. "There were no major incidents other than the general youth annoyance and egg and firework throwing. However, quite a lot of the calls we took were firework-related."

In North Wales, police had advised local shopkeepers to refuse to sell flour and eggs to teenagers on Halloween. And even though the initiative reduced the number of calls, Friday was still one of the worst nights of the year for North Wales Police. A police spokesman said: "We tend to get inundated on Halloween. We recorded 51 immediate response calls between 3pm and 11pm - we classify these calls as quite serious matters where we try to get to the incident within 20 minutes. "I would estimate about 100 to 150 ordinary calls. "From 6pm onwards, all people are hearing is the doorbell ringing. Some of the masks they have are quite scary and intimidating. I think some take it a bit far."

Gwent Police said there were 121 calls between 5pm and midnight. Inspector Mark Ryley: "The numbers were on a par with previous years but what has changed is that none of calls were from genuine trick or treaters, they were all arising out of acts of vandalism by youths who seem to think Halloween gives them the right to terrorise members of the public."

November 2 2003, The Independent, Cover up - don't get burnt by fireworks
Skimp on home insurance and you'll be remembering the fifth of November for all the wrong reasons, warns Sam Dunn.  Count yourself lucky if you have yet to flinch at explosions outside your window or miniature rockets whizzing over your head - the firework parties have already begun around Britain.
During the next few days, thousands of boxes of Roman candles, bangers and rockets will be let off in gardens and streets around the country to celebrate 5 November, Guy Fawkes Night.
But behind the pyrotechnics and the blazing bonfires lies a serious risk of injury to yourself, other people and pets, as well as damage to your own home or your neighbours' property.
Figures released by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) reveal that 1,017 people suffered injuries from fireworks in the four weeks around Bonfire Night last year. In many cases, accidents happened during bonfire parties in people's gardens.
Rogue fireworks can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to property, too, smashing windows, breaking roof tiles and starting fires in garden sheds and even in homes. If you are not insured against this kind of damage, you could find yourself having to foot the bill for repairs. So to make sure Bonfire Night doesn't end up burning a hole in your pocket, check that your home is adequately covered.
Most household insurance policies will pay out for damage from fireworks set off at a party several streets away, says Greg Dawson, spokes-man for Churchill insurance. This means your home will be protected against, say, a rocket crashing into your conservatory or a fire starting on your property as a result of sparks from your neighbour's bonfire.
However, it is essential to check both parts of your policy - contents and buildings insurance - with your provider to ensure you are fully covered. In particular, check whether damage to greenhouses, sheds, fencing and ornaments in your garden is included; it should normally fall within your home's buildings cover.
Churchill's standard buildings insurance pays out up to £250,000 for structural damage, and up to £35,000 for individual items damaged by fire. Compensation will vary according to the individual policy, so make sure you have enough cover.
If you plan to celebrate with a bonfire party and fireworks in your garden, watch out for personal injury claims. The rise of the compensation culture, in which people are prepared to sue even their friends and colleagues, has made liability cover a sensible precaution in recent years. Most good home insurance policies include cover up to at least £1m, says Mr Dawson; this should kick in if, say, one of your fireworks damages your neighbour's roof or car.
If you intend to invite a large number of guests to a private party, it's a good idea to contact your insurer to make sure you are still covered in the event of an accident. If you are turning your bonfire and fireworks party into a money-raising evening, perhaps with an entry fee, you should take out specialist insurance for the night. Any event that involves a commercial element will not be covered on your household insurance.
Insurex Expo-Sure is one of only a few companies in the UK that specialise in insuring firework displays; charges start at £255 for liability cover of up to £1m where up to 250 people are attending.
Paul James, claims director for Insurex Expo-Sure, warns that this year, fireworks could be particularly dangerous because of recent weather conditions: "We've had just a day of rain, really - the ground is as dry as anything. If we were to have a dry day on the main fireworks night, there is a considerable risk of fire spreading."
Safety fears and the increased threat of litigation arising from injuries to the public have dampened the popularity of organised bonfire parties in the past few years. Premiums for liability have soared, according to research from insurance broker Budget Insurance Services.
If you plan to attend a firework display rather than holding your own party, choose a large, professionally organised event that will have specialist insurance cover. But of course, whether you are going out for the evening or staying at home, the best way to protect yourself - and your insurance premiums - is to follow safety precautions.
RoSPA's guidelines place a strong emphasis on the safe handling of fireworks, which should be stored in a closed box. When igniting fireworks, stand well away from other people and never go back to a lighted firework if it fails to go off.

November 2 2003, The Observer  Politics  Fireworks curfew to curb rise in hooliganism
The Government is to impose an 11pm curfew on the use of fireworks and ban children from carrying them in the street in a desperate attempt to curb growing hooliganism associated with bonfire night.
As local authorities and the police are swamped with complaints about late-night displays and fireworks thrown in the street, Ministers are to announce this week that voluntary codes controlling the sale and use of fireworks are not working.
The Department of Trade and Industry will announce plans for new regulations making it illegal to set off fireworks or have displays at 'anti-social hours' and making it a criminal offence for people under 18 to carry fireworks in the street. Any child found with fireworks can be arrested by police.
Although the Government will say that it is willing to consult on the proposals, it hopes to have them in place by bonfire night next year.
Ministers will also argue it is now time for a wider public debate on fireworks, which yobs and criminals have seized on as a new weapon.
Limits could be imposed on the size of fireworks and the amount of noise they emit, all displays may have to be licensed with the local authority; even back garden displays could be banned.
The moves come as firework-associated vandalism sweeps many urban areas. In Liverpool, police are investigating a wave of attacks which has destroyed 30 cars and 29 telephone kiosks.
Of most concern are 'air bombs' and powerful rockets, which vandals are modifying to build explosive devices. Fireworks have also been used in arson attacks.
'There was a BMW blown to smithereens using six of these devices,' Norman Bettison, the chief constable of Merseyside Police, said yesterday. 'The Army bomb disposal team said they had not seen anything like this on the mainland since the IRA campaign. It had the potential to kill. The shrapnel went up to 200 metres.'
Police will meet Ministers tomorrow to demand greater controls over fireworks and who has access to them.
'We are not against fireworks, but we are concerned about air bombs and powerful explosives used by yobs and criminals, blowing up cars, telephone boxes and generally making people in many areas very fearful,' said one Minister closely involved in the plans.
'A lot of what happens in terms of the other areas we are looking at depends on how people behave this year.'
Senior sources said that the Government is unlikely to propose banning the sale of fireworks from all but licensed premises, as it is feared that this would drive the firework trade under-ground. There is already a healthy illegal market in fireworks from abroad.
'There is a ban in countries such as Australia but we think that it is less likely that we will proceed with that here,' the Minister said. 'We have had a lot of responses to the proposals on licensing all displays and at this stage there is more support for that in comparison to the support there is for allowing people to continue having displays in their back gardens.'
John Woodhead, the chairman of the British Fireworks Association, said the sale of illegal fireworks had reached 'epidemic proportions'. 'These people are selling from pubs and car boot sales,' he told the Guardian .
Many of the fireworks are stored in people's houses or in warehouses close to electricity supplies. In Blackpool display fireworks worth up to £30,000 were seized from three premises, including a shop next door to a premises which had been gutted by fire the previous day.

November 2 2003, Sunday Mirror, SOAP STAR SAD OVER LOVE SPLIT
FORMER Brookside star Jennifer Ellison told last night of her heartbreak after splitting from her fiance. The actress-turned-singer said she and ex-salesman Tony Richardson had decided to "have a break" after he became involved in a vicious gangland turf war.

Jennifer, 20, who has moved from their home in Liverpool to London, said: "It's just been crazy. It's put a huge strain on everything and I was getting upset all the time." But Jennifer, whose new single is released this month, has not ruled out a reconciliation. She said: "I am not a robot. I can't turn my feelings on and off. I still love him more than anything and I'm missing him like hell. I've cried so much."

Her split from Tony, 24, came after gangsters fired bullets at their home. A few weeks later the windows were shattered by a firework, believed to have been fired by the same gang.

November 2, 2003, The Guardian, Fireworks curfew to curb rise in hooliganism
Government may ban back garden displays as yobs use rockets in arson attacks

The Government is to impose an 11pm curfew on the use of fireworks and ban children from carrying them in the street in a desperate attempt to curb growing hooliganism associated with bonfire night.
As local authorities and the police are swamped with complaints about late-night displays and fireworks thrown in the street, Ministers are to announce this week that voluntary codes controlling the sale and use of fireworks are not working.
The Department of Trade and Industry will announce plans for new regulations making it illegal to set off fireworks or have displays at 'anti-social hours' and making it a criminal offence for people under 18 to carry fireworks in the street. Any child found with fireworks can be arrested by police.
Although the Government will say that it is willing to consult on the proposals, it hopes to have them in place by bonfire night next year.
Ministers will also argue it is now time for a wider public debate on fireworks, which yobs and criminals have seized on as a new weapon.
Limits could be imposed on the size of fireworks and the amount of noise they emit, all displays may have to be licensed with the local authority; even back garden displays could be banned.
The moves come as firework-associated vandalism sweeps many urban areas. In Liverpool, police are investigating a wave of attacks which has destroyed 30 cars and 29 telephone kiosks.
Of most concern are 'air bombs' and powerful rockets, which vandals are modifying to build explosive devices. Fireworks have also been used in arson attacks.
'There was a BMW blown to smithereens using six of these devices,' Norman Bettison, the chief constable of Merseyside Police, said yesterday. 'The Army bomb disposal team said they had not seen anything like this on the mainland since the IRA campaign. It had the potential to kill. The shrapnel went up to 200 metres.'
Police will meet Ministers tomorrow to demand greater controls over fireworks and who has access to them.
'We are not against fireworks, but we are concerned about air bombs and powerful explosives used by yobs and criminals, blowing up cars, telephone boxes and generally making people in many areas very fearful,' said one Minister closely involved in the plans.
'A lot of what happens in terms of the other areas we are looking at depends on how people behave this year.'
Senior sources said that the Government is unlikely to propose banning the sale of fireworks from all but licensed premises, as it is feared that this would drive the firework trade under-ground. There is already a healthy illegal market in fireworks from abroad.
'There is a ban in countries such as Australia but we think that it is less likely that we will proceed with that here,' the Minister said. 'We have had a lot of responses to the proposals on licensing all displays and at this stage there is more support for that in comparison to the support there is for allowing people to continue having displays in their back gardens.'
John Woodhead, the chairman of the British Fireworks Association, said the sale of illegal fireworks had reached 'epidemic proportions'.
'These people are selling from pubs and car boot sales,' he told the Guardian .
Many of the fireworks are stored in people's houses or in warehouses close to electricity supplies. In Blackpool display fireworks worth up to £30,000 were seized from three premises, including a shop next door to a premises which had been gutted by fire the previous day.

November 1 2003, BBC NEWS  England  London  Campaign against 'nuisance fireworks'
A campaign is under way by a north London council to crack down on anti-social behaviour by children who set off fireworks. Police and Enfield councillors are carrying out special patrols in the area to check if shops are selling fireworks to underage children.
Last year 94 Londoners were injured by fireworks.
Councillor Terry Neville told BBC London that the fireworks they are seizing could cause a lot of harm and distress to local people. He said that on Friday they seized a cluster bomb which was being sold to a teenager. "Only yesterday this was seized from a shop in the area selling it to a lad of 15 who is under age as 18 is the limit. "This will be let off and there are 100 shots in there which will cause enormous noise and nuisance to residents."
And they found bangers, which have been illegal to sell for two years, at a different shop in a joint inspection with the fire brigade. Mr Neville said: "These are the sort of things we will find youngsters putting through people's letter boxes."

November 1 2003, BBC NEWS  Northern Ireland  Family flee firework attack
A family narrowly escaped injury after a firework attack on their home in County Fermanagh, the police have said. A couple and their three young children fled from the house at Abbey Drive, Enniskillen, after part of the living room caught fire.
The police said a rock had been thrown through a front window and a firework, which had been taped to railings outside the house, was lit. The flames and sparks caused the fire inside the house and set a family car parked outside ablaze. The incident happened at about 0245 GMT on Saturday.
Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

November 1 2003, BBC NEWS  Programmes  Breakfast  Should we ban fireworks
Paul Horrocks who edits the Manchester Evening News, has been campaigning for a ban on over the counter firework sales to the general public.  "Year after year, hundreds of people are injured by fireworks," said: "We've just reported on the case of a pregnant woman who had a firework thrown through her letterbox. "She lost her baby."   
Retailer Clive Knott sells fireworks for large, organised displays. He told us: "We only sell to over-18s. It's the responsibility of adults to make sure that fireworks don't fall into the hands of children."

November 1 2003, Belfast Telegraph, Family Forced to flee after firework attack
HALLOWEEN was the busiest night of the year for the Fire Brigade - with around 500 emergency call-outs.
In the most serious incident overnight, a couple and their three small children fled their home in Abbey Drive, Enniskillen, after a firework was thrown through the living room window at 2.45am.
Extensive damage was caused to the living room and the family car parked outside.
And in Keady and Bessbrook in south Armagh firecrews had to withdraw after coming under attack.
Meanwhile, tragedy was narrowly averted during Londonderry's massive Halloween celebrations, it emerged today.
Derry City Council inspectors found fire exits blocked by cars during random checks at several night spots before the festivities.  The council today warned local traders they were risking their licence.
The leader of the council's SDLP bloc, Pat Ramsey, said: "We were almost faced by a tragic weekend rather than a carnival. "I am alarmed at the finding of an inspection carried out by officials from Derry City Council on the night before Halloween which found that a small number of entertainment venues in the city centre had fire exits that were blocked.  "This is very worrying at any time, but is even more so on the Thursday
before the Halloween weekend.  "Exits were blocked by cars among other things," he added.

Mr Ramsey said motorists must be careful about where they park and nightclub owners and doormen have to ensure entrances remain unblocked. "If that doesn't happen, the PSNI should bring down the full force of the
law on anybody who endangers our young people in this way," he said.
A Derry City Council spokeswoman added: "At this busy time of year it is important that all premises abide with health and safety requirements."
A substantial haul of illegal fireworks was seized by police from a house in Armagh.
A police spokesperson said there were no arrests.
While there has been a roaring trade in illegal fireworks, the Northern Ireland Office revealed they issued more category 2 licences, allowing users to enjoy the bangs and colours at home.
The spokesperson said this year there had been 1,150 licences issued compared to 1,000 last year.

November 1 2003, Evening Chronicle, Fireworks alert
PEOPLE are being warned about dodgy fireworks after a man was caught trying to sell them door-to-door.
Officers in the East End of Newcastle discovered the man knocking on doors earlier this week. Chief Insp Marcus Hail said: "Buying products from someone calling at the door means you don't know what you are getting or what condition they might be in. "Proper dealers can give advice on what type of fireworks are suitable for different size gardens but buying from someone at the door means you will have no guarantee they will work. "Police are working with other agencies to make this Bonfire Night a sate one. Officers, together with Trading Standards, have been going into shops warning them about selling fireworks to underage children."

November 1 2003, Guardian Unlimited  The Guardian  Police call for action on illegal fireworks
Police call for action on illegal fireworks
Spate of arson attacks prompts campaign for tough crackdown on black market sales
Attacks by vandals and the seizure of vast illegal stores of fireworks in the run-up to bonfire night has prompted a campaign to crack down on black market sales.
A senior police officer is calling for legislation to restrict the sale of fireworks to the public, after a nightclub in Liverpool, telephone kiosks and cars were attacked using gunpowder from fireworks. Bomb disposal teams have been called out to deal with devices made from adapted fireworks, and there is concern about hooligans setting off powerful fireworks in public places.
On Wednesday night, vandals in the West Midlands detonated fireworks inside four unattended cars, including a police patrol car parked outside a police station, while earlier in the week youths in Cardiff threw a firework on to a bus packed with passengers.
Merseyside police's chief constable, Norman Bettison, is urging the home secretary to restrict the sale of the most powerful fireworks to holders of a special licence.
Mr Bettison said anti-social behaviour involving fireworks had escalated in recent years from "a banger tied to a cat's tail", to the use by vandals of high-powered devices known as air bombs. "There was a BMW 520 blown to smithereens using six of these devices," he said. "The army bomb disposal team said they had not seen anything like this on the mainland since the IRA campaign.
"If anyone on the little cul-de-sac where it happened had opened their door in the time it took to light the blue touchpaper and retire, it had the potential to kill them. The shrapnel went up to 200m."
The Merseyside force is compiling a catalogue of attacks involving fireworks which includes the destruction of 33 cars, 29 telephone kiosks and eight post boxes.
Police and legitimate retailers fear that the unregulated distribution and sale of fireworks is fuelling the problem. "The legal firework retailers are working with trading standards to ensure that they comply with British standards," said John Woodhead, chairman of the British Fireworks Association, which represents the legitimate trade. "These other people are selling from pubs and car boot sales."
The illegal trade has reached "epidemic proportions" this year, Mr Woodhead claimed. Raids by trading standards officers have uncovered huge hauls of fireworks illegally stored in private houses.
Dave Roderick, a spokesman for the Trading Standards Institute, said: "The danger lies in how they are stored. Fireworks have been found in places that are totally unsuitable."
In Blackpool, powerful display fireworks worth up to £30,000 were seized from three premises, including a shop next to one which had been gutted in a fire the previous day.
At another of the raided premises, fireworks were found crammed into a lift, while at another they were stored next to a high voltage electrical supply.
On Merseyside, more than 1,200kg of fireworks were found stored in a private house, while in Warwickshire trading standards officers confiscated fireworks being sold by a market trader.
New legislation clamping down on the anti-social use of fireworks was passed in September, but will not come into force in time for this year's bonfire night celebrations.
The Fireworks Act, originally a private member's bill introduced by the Labour MP Bill Tynan, imposes a noise limit of 120 decibels on fireworks available to the public, bans the use of fireworks during anti-social hours and introduces licences for retailers.
The law will allow local authorities to refuse licences, or to revoke them if retailers act inappropriately.
There are also plans to make it an offence for children to possess fireworks.
Mr Tynan is due to meet the consumer affairs minister, Gerry Sutcliffe, on Monday to discuss the illegal distribution and storage of fireworks. "I will be pressing him to make sure that the Health and Safety Executive realise that there is a major problem with importation and the way fireworks are being stored."

November 1 2003, Herald Express, Firework starts blaze 
A FIREWORK caused a small fire in toilets at Station Road, Bovey Tracey last night.  One crew from the town's fire station attended the incident using a hose reel to put it out. 

November 1 2003, ic Huddersfield, Curb on fireworks sale and use `by Christmas'
By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
NEW measures to restrict the use and sale of fireworks should be in force before Christmas this year, claimed a local MP. The measures, which were contained in the new Fireworks Act, were not expected to come into force until next year but the Government is to fast-track those elements which deal with anti-social behaviour.
Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood, whose campaign for tighter restrictions on fireworks preceded the Act, said: "I'm disappointed that the measures aren't already in force - communities feel under siege at this time of year as the misuse of fireworks escalates. "I am pleased however that the Government is to bring forward the introduction of the measures which are most eagerly awaited."
By Christmas, a curfew for the use of fireworks will be created, possession of fireworks by minors will become an offence and there will be implementation of the firework industry's voluntary ban on air bombs by prohibiting supply.

November 1 2003, Nottingham Evening Post, Traders Flout Firework Law
Statistics out today reveal that some traders are still flouting age restrictions on firework sales.  Six out of 20 Nottingham shops sold fireworks to youngsters under the age of 18 in tests run by the city council's trading standards department.   

Officials, beginning a full investigation which could lead to prosecutions, called this a huge disappointment.  A similar operation by Notts County Council trading standards department found that all of the four shopkeepers it tested sold fireworks to a 15-year-old without asking for identification. 

The Fireworks Safety Regulations 1997 say fireworks should not be sold to anyone aged under 18 - with the exception of a handful of novelty party-poppers which can be sold to 16 and 17-year-olds.  Breaking the law can result in a fine of up to £5,000, a six-month prison sentence, or both. 

During the half-term holiday, two young volunteers were sent by council officials to a range of city stores to test their sales procedures.  The 13-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl had to give their correct age if asked - but in 30 of cases were never quizzed. Officers said the cases were particularly disturbing as the youngsters did not look anything like 18 years old.  Caraline Ryan, service manager at the city's trading standards department, said: "There is huge disappointment and concern that, if this is happening, fireworks are getting into the hands of young teenagers. "  Last year, tests on a similar scale only uncovered one underage sale. 

Prompted by strong public opinion on the fireworks nuisance caused by teenagers, trading standards officers across Notts are this year conducting a high-profile campaign to enforce the age restrictions.  Information packs have been distributed to traders and a registration scheme allowed officers to carry out inspections on safe storage and follow up cases of underage selling. 

City traders flouting the rules can be reported by calling the advice line on 0115 915 6167 or by e-mail to www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/tradingstandards  Traders breaking the law in the rest of the county can be reported by phoning 0115 977 5684.

November 1 2003, This is Derbyshire - ALERT OVER 'HELICOPTER ACCIDENT'
Emergency services rushed to a Derbyshire village after a woman reported seeing a helicopter crash yesterday.
She called police from Hartshorne Road, Woodville, at 2.40pm to say she had heard a loud bang and saw a helicopter coming down.
The force sent up its own helicopter and the East Midlands Air Ambulance also flew to the scene.
Three teams of paramedics and a doctor were sent to join police officers and firefighters.
But, after searching the area, they could find no sign of an accident.
Police spokeswoman Jill Walden said: "The caller saw a helicopter in the distance, heard a big bang and saw a lot of smoke.  "No-one else has phoned to say an aircraft crashed."
A fire service spokesman added: "It's possible it was a firework and that a helicopter was landing at the same time."

November 1 2003, UTV, Fermanagh family escape firework
A family were lucky to escape injury after a firework was thrown through the front window of a house in County Fermanagh, it emerged today.
The couple and their three small children fled their home in Abbey Drive in Enniskillen after part of the living room caught fire.
Extensive damage was caused to the downstairs of the house and the family car which was parked outside.
Police in Enniskillen have appealed to anyone with information to contact them.

October 31 2003, BBC NEWS  Black-market fireworks seized
Several tons of illegally stored and sold fireworks have been seized in Northamptonshire in the run up to bonfire night.
Trading standards officers have already confiscated 3.5 tons of fireworks - including a 2.5 ton haul from a single house in Daventry.
The county's trading standards spokesman Brian Lewin said a fireworks black-market has developed in the area and his department was determined to stamp it out.
"If there had been an accident at the place where there were 2.5 tons it could have been terrible," he said.
Firefighters' safety concerns
"And if there are accidents it's the police and firefighters who are have to put their lives at risk."
Deputy chief fire officer for Northamptonshire David Ellis added: "We've got huge numbers of fireworks which are being stored in premises which are simply not suitable.
"If there are enough of them they could cause devastating explosions and I am greatly concerned about the health and safety of our firefighters."
Retailers wanting to store fireworks need to register with trading standards and notify them about the quantity they intend to store.

October 31 2003, BBC News,  Firework let off in police car
Several cars - including a police car - were badly damaged in the Black Country after fireworks were lit on the back seats.  Vandals broke into three vehicles on Wednesday evening and detonated large fireworks. 

The first attack happened at 1830 GMT in Oldbury, when a Mercedes car was broken into and a firework was lit inside it.  Half an hour later a parked police car had its windows smashed and another firework was let off on the back seat, damaging the back of the car. 

Then at 2240 GMT vandals broke into a third car in Darlaston and lit another large firework.  The attack caused thousands of pounds of damage to Steve Foster's Range Rover, shearing off brackets and blowing out windows. 

Mr Foster said: "You wouldn't think a firework could do it. I didn't think a firework could do it, but it has."  The explosion also broke a window at the front of his house and damaged his front door. 

Mr Foster's neighbour Andy Cooper said: "We were just sitting watching TV - my daughter was in bed - and we heard a car screech to a halt and doors slamming.  "The next thing, the car just blew up and it felt like the house was shaking."  The explosion threw a chunk of glass 40 feet into a nearby children's playground. 

Sergeant John McPhee told BBC Midlands Today that it may be possible to trace the offenders because the fireworks they used in the attacks were quite unusual.  Police are appealing for witnesses.   

October 31 2003, BBC News Scotland, Schoolboy, aged 8, caught with rockets
Police dealing with hundreds of firework incidents have caught a schoolboy setting off powerful rockets.
The 8 years old was discovered by officers close to his house in Logan, Ayrshire and escorted home.
Strathclyde Police has responded to 610 firework related incidents throughout the force area this year and is gearing up for a busy weekend.
Last year the force responded to more than 3,000 incidents involving fireworks and bonfires.

October 31 2003, Caithness Courier,  Fireworks yobs terrorising neighbourhoods
TEENAGERS armed with fireworks have been terrorising neighbourhoods across Caithness. Yobs have been transforming rockets into home-made bombs and setting them off inside wheelie bins, telephone kiosks and postboxes. Elderly residents and pet-owners have bombarded local police stations to complain about the nuisance.
Police in Wick have charged four children - some thought to be as young as 13 years old - with fireworks-related offences in the past week and reported them to the Children's Panel. And the problem which has plagued many communities throughout the county over the past month is expected to intensify in the run-up to Bonfire Night next Wednesday.
A number of local shops have already reportedly sold out of fireworks ahead of November 5. However, one local businessman, Graham Begg, who sells fireworks at his Toymaster stores in Wick and Thurso, has announced plans to clear his shelves of the menace. He believes fireworks are bigger and more dangerous than ever.
A petition has also been launched in the county calling for the total ban of fireworks. Originating in Castletown, the petition has gained support from a cross-section of the Caithness community. Inspector Mhairi Grant, of Northern Constabulary, based at Wick Police Station, told the Courier that unfortunately Caithness is no different from anywhere else at this time of year. She said: "We are getting nightly calls about fireworks but I'm not convinced that the youngsters are aware of the real nuisance they can cause."
Inspector Grant went on to say that her officers have visited schools and shops across the county to warn people about the dangers of fireworks and selling them to unscrupulous customers. "We don't want to be killjoys," she said. "Fireworks are there for enjoyment and people are entitled to entertainment." But she added: "Safety must come first."
Mr Begg revealed that this is the last year he will sell fireworks in his shops following increasing public concerns. He said: "We will be quite glad to get rid of the hassle. I personally believe it's about time they were banned across the UK." Mr Begg admitted the only reason he applied for a licence to sell fireworks this year was because he still had some left over from the year before. He went on to say that he has slashed 15 per cent off his prices to clear his shelves of the stock. "Once they're gone, they're gone. This is the last year we will get involved," he said. Mr Begg pointed out that he only sells standard British fireworks, from sparklers at 90p to rockets and box sets up to around £20. He continued: "We are very careful about who we sell them to. If there are any doubts they don't get them." Mr Begg added: "We keep our fireworks locked in a big safe. Trading standards are delighted at the way we store them. There is nowhere else like it in Caithness. But no more - we have had enough."

Meanwhile, the Government has announced plans to consult the public on new laws to reduce the noise, nuisance and anti-social use of fireworks. The Fireworks Act, which limits over-the-counter firework sales to three weeks before November 5, imposes an 11pm curfew on displays and sets noise limits on fireworks.

The Government is rushing through more legislation so it is in effect before New Year's Eve celebrations. Consumer minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "These new powers will make a real difference in cracking down on the excess noise and nuisance that so often keeps people awake at night and causes misery to pets and other animals."     

October 31 2003, Chester Chronicle, Shopkeeper's short fuse for firework yobs
By Jessica Shaughnessy, Chester Chronicle
'REMEMBER, remember, the fifth of November' - how would any of us forget? Fireworks are ammunition for yobs and in the weeks before Bonfire Night, explosions can be heard across Chester, filling residents with fear and pet owners with dread.

But JESSICA SHAUGHNESSY reports that a new Act, along with tough stances from Cheshire's police, fire service and trading standards, could bring Guy Fawkes' misery to an end.

KASHMIR Kaur takes a nonsense approach when it comes to selling fireworks. As manager of Blacon News and Blacon Post Office on The Parade, she often turns away adults she suspects have been sent in to buy bangers for threatening youths. 'You know by looking at them that they don't want fireworks themselves, so I ask them if they know what they are doing. I also go out and talk to the youths sometimes. 'I lock fireworks away and I don't let anybody else sell them but me,' said Kashmir, who says that teenagers once threw firelighters inside her shop. 'They'll always be able to get hold of them - but they won't get them from my shop.' Kashmir is one of the many shopkeepers in community outlets who think before they sell. But the big chain supermarkets are not so considerate, and fireworks still get into the wrong hands.

On Tuesday night a gang of youths let off a rocket, air bombs and six bangers inside a car which had been abandoned on Fisher Road in Blacon. Firefighters arrived to douse the flames which ripped through the vehicle while residents watched fearfully from windows. The day before, thieves broke into Homebase on Chester's Greyhound Retail Park and stole a bundle of explosives. Police will not reveal the value of the fireworks, which were stolen, but they have issued a warning that some of them are powerful and dangerous if not used in the correct manner.

These incidents aside, this year Chester has escaped relatively unscathed in the run up to November 5. But in Runcorn two cars have been blown up and across Merseyside there have been about 30 explosions in telephone kiosks where fireworks have been let off. In Liverpool city centre, there have been two firework incidents in nightclubs, which have put thousands of revellers at risk.

In response, Cheshire Chief Constable Peter Fahy, along with Merseyside and Greater Manchester chiefs Norman Bettison and Ian Seabridge, have called for a curb in the sale of lethal high-explosive fireworks. Mr Fahy said: 'In this day and age there is no justification for powerful fireworks to be on public sale. 'There are very many professional displays which allow people to enjoy November 5 without putting anyone in danger and without causing nuisance or concern in residential areas.'

At the moment fireworks are as easy to get hold of as alcohol, you just have to be 18. Most of the clauses in the code of practice relate to the trader, not the consumer. There are rules on how they have to be stored, and how many can be kept on the premises but nothing on when they can be sold, what time they can be set off and there are no noise limits. 'All fireworks are dangerous and may be lethal,' said Chief Fire Officer Steve McGuirk at Cheshire Fire Service this week. 'The utmost care is necessary in their storage, handling and use whether you are organising a display for the family and friends or for the general public.'

Owners urged to keep pets safe PET owners are urged to keep a watchful eye on dogs or cats by keeping them indoors on Bonfire Night. Every year the RSPCA deals with hundreds of firework-related calls involving terrified pets that have bolted or accidents which could have been avoided.

Wirral's senior dog warden Dave Holden said: 'Fireworks are terrifying for animals so please consider your own or your neighbours' pets when using fireworks. He appealed to people using fireworks to abide by the following:
Never let fireworks near any animals.
Ensure all pets are kept indoors after dark.
If a pet is particularly sensitive to loud noises ask a vet to provide a sedative.
Close curtains and leave a TV or radio on to camouflage the noise of the fireworks.
Build bonfires as late as possible and gently disturb the fire's foundations at least two hours before lighting to ensure there are no animals inside.
Make sure that pets can be identified by collars, tags or a microchip in case they get frightened and run off.

October 31 2003, Enfield & Haringey Independent, Clampdown on firework frenzy
SIX rangers began joint patrols in Enfield's parks this week as part of an ongoing campaign to stamp out anti-social behaviour caused by fireworks. The rangers are taking part in a two-week operation, patrolling the borough's parks every night during three separate patrols from 6pm. The rangers will be scouring Enfield's parks to protect park users and wildlife with Halloween approaching and Bonfire Night on Wednesday.

They are also backed by council enforcement officers and police who are also stepping up patrols on the streets and a rapid response patrol van will be scouring the borough on November 5.

Meanwhile, a hotline has been set up at the council's contact centre, which residents can phone to report firework misbehaviour and sales to minors. Immediate reports will be referred to the police straight away and offenders face a fine of up to £5,000.

Cllr Terry Neville, cabinet member for environment, said: "There has been a worrying rise in people letting fireworks off in the streets and small hours of the morning way before and after Guy Fawkes night. "We had many complaints about this last year and we are determined to stamp out the nuisance, The people who are doing this may think they are having a bit of fun but they are disturbing and endangering other people and wildlife around them."

Meanwhile June Smitherman of Enfield's Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service is urging residents to check their bonfires are cleared of hedgehogs before they are lit. If you want to report the misuse of fireworks in your neighbourhood, call 8379 1000. The line is open 24 hours a day. 

October 31 2003, Enfield & Haringey Independent, Firework blows postbox apart
AN EXPLODING postbox shook residents out of their beds in one Enfield street this week. A firework placed inside the Royal Mail postbox in Southbury Road, caused the explosion near Tescos supermarket at around 1am on Monday.

Police and fire crews, called to the scene, found the explosion had blown the roof of the postbox over a five metre wall and the door up to 40 meters across the street. A small amount of mail was damaged in the explosion.

Resident David Nicholls heard the bang and called the police. He said: "The explosion frightened the life out of me, the bang was huge, it shook the house and the windows. "It was good job there wasn't a lot of traffic around late at night, with the door flying into the road, there could have been an accident." Any witnesses should call police on 8345 4441.   

October 31 2003, Evening Mail, This bomb is legal!
By Tony Collins, Evening Mail
It stands a metre tall and weighs in at a whopping 22lbs - yet this firework is being sold legally over the counter at shops across Birmingham. With the explosive power to do untold damage to anything - or anyone - it may hit, the Diablo is available for sale to people as young as 18.

As concerns rise over an increasing number of vandal attacks by firework yobs, West Midlands Fire service unveiled this giant £50 mortar rocket to illustrate just what is on the market in the run up to Bonfire Night. Station officer Mick Norton, who has responsibility for explosives at West Midlands Fire, said: "Believe it or not, this firework meets the British standard and can be legally bought over the counter. "It's a metre long and weighs about 10 kilos, or 22lbs, but is not covered by the Explosives Act."

On the Firework Emporium website, the Category Three firework Diablo is described as the "God of destruction". It says: "Diablo (48 shot). Lots of colour and sound with this huge bundle of 30mm candles. Stands an impressive height of destruction."

New legislation is due to be introduced which will control the size and use of fireworks in the future. It will come too late for this November 5 celebrations, but may arrive before the New Year.

Station officer Norton said the regulations should limit the size and noise that a firework can make. Trading standards officers with Birmingham City Council said they had a perennial problem with vandals using fireworks to damage phone boxes and cars. The attacks on a police car and three other vehicles in the Black Country happened on Wednesday night.   

October 31 2003, Harrogate Today, Postbox 'guards' in fireworks battle
RESIDENTS in Jennyfields are paying the price of yet more firework vandal attacks - some of their local postboxes have had metal guards fitted on them. 

Royal Mail have taken the action after two of its postboxes on Saltergate Drive and Greenfield Drive were blown up in separate incidents. Local people are now unable to post letters above a certain size and have to take bulkier items to the post office. The postbox on Saltergate Drive, only installed two weeks ago, had its front blown off, sending debris flying through the air and putting local people's safety at risk. "This is exactly the kind of behaviour we are looking to stamp out," said Chief Superintendent Andy Parker. "Our officers have been briefed and will take serious action against anybody who is engaging in the anti-social use of fireworks. 

"Fireworks are dangerous, full stop. That is why I would strongly encourage people to attend organised firework displays on bonfire night rather than hold their own. "I would also discourage young people from going out onto the streets with fireworks. Parents of under-18s should also make sure their children do not engage in this type of activity. There is absolutely no reason for children to be on the streets with fireworks."

Harrogate Police confirmed there has been an increase in reports of firework misuse. "We have additional patrols already on the streets and we want to help everyone to enjoy bonfire night, not fear it," said Chief Supt Parker. "Anti-social behaviour at any time is unacceptable and I understand the problems faced by residents who are disturbed by loud bangs.  "If anyone is victim of the illegal use of fireworks they should contact the police, on 01423 505541, and we will do everything we can to stop it." 

October 31 2003, ic Birmingham - This bomb is legal!
It stands a metre tall and weighs in at a whopping 22lbs - yet this firework is being sold legally over the counter at shops across Birmingham.  With the explosive power to do untold damage to anything - or anyone - it may hit, the Diablo is available for sale to people as young as 18.
As concerns rise over an increasing number of vandal attacks by firework yobs, West Midlands Fire service unveiled this giant £50 mortar rocket to illustrate just what is on the market in the run up to Bonfire Night.
Station officer Mick Norton, who has responsibility for explosives at West Midlands Fire, said: "Believe it or not, this firework meets the British standard and can be legally bought over the counter.  "It's a metre long and weighs about 10 kilos, or 22lbs, but is not covered by the Explosives Act."
On the Firework Emporium website, the Category Three firework Diablo is described as the "God of destruction".
It says: "Diablo (48 shot). Lots of colour and sound with this huge bundle of 30mm candles. Stands an impressive height of destruction."
New legislation is due to be introduced which will control the size and use of fireworks in the future. It will come too late for this November 5 celebrations, but may arrive before the New Year.
Station officer Norton said the regulations should limit the size and noise that a firework can make.
Trading standards officers with Birmingham City Council said they had a perennial problem with vandals using fireworks to damage phone boxes and cars.
The attacks on a police car and three other vehicles in the Black Country happened on Wednesday night.

October 31 2003, IcHuddersfield, Firework fears on the increase
Police in plea to parents.  By Andrew Hirst, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
POLICE have urged parents to keep a close check on their children after a spate of firework problems across Huddersfield. Police have had about 20 calls over the last 24 hours about fireworks being let off in the street or being used dangerously.

And an Examiner reader, who does not want to be named, said youths were now throwing fireworks in the Thornton Lodge area every night from 9pm and has taken photos to prove it. The 20 calls to the police included one about vandals destroying a car in Thornhill after putting a large firework inside and letting it off. The firework shell - the size of a biscuit tin - set fire to the inside of the car on Overthorpe Road and wrecked it just after 7.30pm on Wednesday. Sub-officer Charlie Coates, of Dewsbury fire station, said: "It was clearly a very dangerous thing to do. "The explosion would have blown glass some considerable distance and could have caused very severe injuries."

PC Dave McSweeney, of Huddersfield police, said: "We have received calls from all across Huddersfield. The problem seems to be worse this year than in recent years. "These youngsters don't seem to realise that fireworks are explosives which potentially can kill," he added. "The last thing we want is a serious injury - or even worse - before they take notice."

And PC McSweeney urged parents to make sure they know where their children are during the evenings and what they are doing. "It may be their child who ends up hurt," he said. "If you find fireworks on your children, or hidden in their bedrooms, confiscate them."

October 31 2003, ic Liverpool, Mean streets for mischief
By Jenny Watson Echo Reporter
MORE than 1,500 emergency calls were made to Merseyside police as mischief night yobs unleashed fear across the region. Between 7 and 8 o'clock last night an incident involving youth disorder was being reported every minute in Liverpool alone.

Police had been fearing the most sinister mischief night ever. At 1,562 the number of calls was twice as many as a normal weeknight. There were 715 incidents of minor youth disorder, compared with 906 last year. Hundreds of extra high-visibility officers were out on the streets of Liverpool to catch yobs damaging cars and homes. The tradition began years ago with children playing low-key pranks, but has since degenerated into vandalism with bricks and fireworks. Undercover police in three taxis patrolled hotspots to catch yobs.

In the past month, there have been 80 firework incidents involving industrial-sized fireworks used like bombs to detonate post boxes, phone kiosks and cars. One gang of mischief night yobs heaved a Peugeot 205 on to its side at 9.30pm on Queens Drive in Croxteth. The car was left overturned on a grass verge. Firefighters used ropes to haul it back on to four wheels. Police say they have been working for weeks to prepare for the difficulties.

Under Operation Trojan, under-cover police rode in taxis to discover where incidents have been happening. In the past fortnight, this has led to 19 arrests for offences including disorder, causing a public nuisance and endangering road users. The decoy taxis are trailed by police chase vehicles to provide back up during any incidents.

Inspector Nick Gunatilleke, who is heading the operation from Smithdown Lane police station, said: "Last night our officers actually saw two firework missiles thrown deliberately into the path of the cab. "We arrested a 15-year-old on the spot for endangering road users. "We have identified around 20 hotspots in the city, including places such as Dingle, Tuebrook, Kensington and Norris Green. "We saw kids as young as 12 actually taking to the streets in balaclavas. "They were on the streets for one reason and one reason only - to cause havoc and frighten people."

October 31 2003, IcCheshire, Restrictions make bonfire night a blast again
Chester Chronicle
BONFIRE night could be restored to a celebration when stricter laws prevent fireworks from hitting the streets. The Government says it does not want to be a spoil-sport but the new Fireworks Act, which has been given Royal Assent, will address issues of anti-social behaviour associated with fireworks.

As secretary of the All-party Fireworks Group, Chester MP Christine Russell, has been closely involved in the campaign to toughen up existing firework legislation. 'Fireworks can be a great form of family entertainment and the new measures are a breakthrough in dealing with illegal use,' said Mrs Russell. 'Unfortunately the law will not be enforced in time for this year's November 5 celebrations but will be an effective means of regulation for next year.'

The Act contains new powers imposing noise limits, banning the use of fireworks during anti-social hours and restricting sales to a three-week period around Bonfire Night and New Year's Day. Another act, the Anti-social Behaviour Bill, currently passing through the House of Lords, allows new powers to tackle people misusing explosive fireworks.

It is hoped that the act will be in use by Christmas, creating a curfew for the use of fireworks, an offence for possession of fireworks by those under the age of 18, prohibiting the supply of air bombs.

She added: 'All too often noisy fireworks used at anti-social hours cause real disturbance to the people of Chester. 'Past attempts to put safeguards in place proved ineffective, and voluntary agreements restricting when fireworks are sold have failed to prevent year-round sales.'

Parts of the act will be enforced by Trading standards. Hilary Nicholls, senior enforcement officer at Cheshire Trading Standards said: 'At the moment there are laws concerning the way fireworks are stored, tested and the number that can be kept. 'But these laws do not really address the things that people are concerned about and that is where the new act comes in. It covers noise and times.'

Mrs Nicholls said a code of practice already exists concerning the use and sale of fireworks, but Trading Standards are unable to enforce it. 'It's voluntary,' she said, 'most of the smaller shops are happy to comply, but some of the bigger places which sell fireworks all-year round are not.'   

October 31 2003, Neighbours From Hell in Britain, Dealing with the menace of 'legal' explosives - Fireworks
Bangers and Crash: Dealing with the menace of 'legal' explosives - Fireworks
Fireworks - Fun or Fear?  Fireworks are about having fun, aren't they?
Or at least, they certainly used to be. These days firework use seems to be more and more associated with a loud, disturbing, unwanted nuisance at all times of the year. Nuisance not only for us, but for our pets and our children. They light the main fuse of one of the most annoying and disrupting disturbances around today.
November 5th, Bonfire Night, did this used to be the only night we'd hear fireworks? Maybe not, but increased instances of firework noise and disruption are more a part of our everyday lives than ever before. Birthdays, Celebrations and New Year bangers and crash have always been in existence, cohabiting with the more traditional 5th November celebrations, but do we hear them more and more throughout the year?
On the NFHiB Forums and recent news articles we certainly hear often about increased firework use and those that think it's fun to annoy and attempt to hurt others with these deadly, 'legal' explosives. Pets as well as human beings are often the unwilling victims of firework misuse.
So, have fireworks turned into a 365 day a year occurrence? It can certainly feel that way sometimes. With increased use of fireworks and what seems to be, increased accessibility of being able to buy the products over the shop counter or illegally through the 'black market', we think this situation is becoming the 'legal' explosive menace of the UK today.
What have fireworks got to do with a Neighbour From Hell Problem?
Often, anti-social behaviour is linked to Neighbour From Hell problems, such anti-social behaviour is regularly linked and associated with a whole host of other Neighbour From Hell issues. With one, often comes the other. So with anti-social behaviour often comes the misuse of fireworks, both within local communities and on individual's own properties.
Fireworks being used as weapons to be hurled like hand grenades on the streets of Britain seem to be commonplace these days. We only have to turn on the news, look at the internet or in the newspapers to see these kinds of events almost every day. At NFHiB, the News section, we list these kinds of events and other antisocial behaviours that people experience regularly throughout their lives.
How many more tragedies does it take to lift the firework problem from our society?
Not only do the adults, children and young people in our communities need to take responsibility for this problem, it is for the law makers to also examine closely. The government and police forces should actively tackle the firework problem, and proactively deal with this explosive situation once and for all.
Neighbour From Hell victims are often taunted, mocked and made subject to ongoing problems with firework misuse. Young people, children or adults that think it's funny to 'lob' a banger into a garden, tie a roman candle to a cat, throw a rocket at a passing car or pedestrian and even ignite a firework through a letterbox.
Neighbours From Hell can use fireworks carelessly in their gardens and properties to annoy their neighbours, with repetitive loud bangs and wallops. They think it's hilarious to inflict yet more noise damage and trauma on their victims. Well, we don't think it's hilarious, we don't think it's funny and we think it's about time this public problem was extinguished, permanently.

October 31 2003, Preston Today, Long-lasting effect of Bonfire Night
A nurse spoke today of the horrifying injuries caused by firework misuse. Sarifa Kabir, accident prevention co-ordinator for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, urged youngsters and adults to stay safe this Bonfire Night.
Last year, 77 people were admitted to hospital with firework-related injuries, almost half of them were children.
Mother-of-two Mrs Kabir, who lives in Deepdale, has been working to reduce the amount of accidents and injuries.
For 10 years, she was a sister in accident and emergency at the Royal Preston Hospital.  She recalled incidents where people had their hair singed by stray fireworks, and where youngsters with large burns had undergone skin grafts. Around half who attended casualty with firework burns had face, hand and head injuries.
She said: "Any firework injury can cause quite traumatic effects but the worst injuries can come from sparklers.
"A young child with small hands and very fragile skin can be left with a long-term disability.  "The little hands grow and the skin can contract; they might not be able to hold a pen properly.  "It leads to long-term out-patients visits and long-term surgery.  "What we've found is that a lot of injuries have come from fireworks being thrown at other people. It's the people who are innocent bystanders who are hit.  "Sometimes they don't even realise it's a firework at first; they just feel pain and burning. "It can be quite fatal if it lands on a child or an elderly person."
This year, the fire service has teamed up with the police and Trading Standards chiefs to work to reduce firework accidents.
Operation Douse has seen firefighters visiting schools, undercover officers rooting out rogue traders, and illegal bonfires being dismantled.
Mrs Kabir, 42, said: "I think that over the years people have taken notice of what's been happening.  "Even if we have just one injury, we need to understand why that injury's occurred. "What people should be doing is going to an organised firework display.  "They'll enjoy it much more and the safety aspect will be there."

October 31 2003, PR Newswire, November 5th - Bang goes your hearing!
London, "Loud bangs from fireworks pose a real threat to hearing", a leading expert has warned.
Graham Lane, Managing Director of Hidden Hearing, one of Britain's largest hearing aid providers, is urging people to protect their ears on 5th November and to take the threat from fireworks seriously.  "We live in a noisy world and people are becoming casual about the long-term effects on their hearing. We don't want to join the doom-mongers but our advice is to stay well back from fireworks and to wear ear plugs if you are attending a long display. People should take their hearing every bit as seriously as their eyesight."
The recognised level of sound that can cause permanent damage to your inner ear is anything that exceeds 85 decibels (dB) which equates to the noise of heavy city traffic but most fireworks have sound pressure levels of between 120-140dB. When compared to the noise of a high-speed train at 105-110dB or a jet aeroplane taking off at 110-120dB, its clear how dangerous extended exposure at a fireworks display can be to your hearing.
Evidence accumulated throughout Hidden Hearing's 50 centres nationwide suggests an alarming increase in hearing damage and impairment, particularly to young people, one of the most at-risk groups.
"Many people will suffer a loss of hearing after being exposed to high levels of dangerous noise over a period of time. But, in some cases it may only take one massive shock to cause permanent damage. We have seen over recent years that the numbers of people with hearing impairment is increasing and the average age is decreasing", says Mr. Lane.
Fireworks are only one example of the increasingly noisy environment in which we all live these days.
Nightclubs have also caused serious concern with young people exposing themselves to noise levels that far exceed 85dB for long periods of time. Mr. Lane points to research undertaken in discos in Spain, which showed noise levels on the dance floor near to loudspeakers topped a screeching 145 decibels. Further research found that nearly 70% of regular gig-goers suffer from dullness of hearing, while one in four gig and festival-goers show the warning signs of premature permanent hearing damage.
Warning signs of dangerous noise levels
* You must raise your voice to be heard
* You can't hear someone two feet away
* Speech around you sounds muffled during or after leaving a noisy area.
* You have pain or ringing in your ears after exposure

October 31 2003, Richmond and Twickenham Times, Cable backs crackdown on booming bangers
Next Wednesday's Guy Fawkes Night is the last under current law. A new piece of legislation, backed by Twickenham MP Vincent Cable comes into law shortly which will exercise tighter regulation over noise levels, periods when fireworks can be sold and will licence fireworks shops.

Shops like the temporary firework emporium in London Road, Twickenham, will be subject to tighter controls. Dr Cable said: "Guy Fawkes Night can provide lots of innocent fun for families and I don't wish to be a killjoy. But noisy bangers cause great distress to animals, children and some elderly people. There is also too much anti social firework use by people letting off fireworks late at night and for weeks either side of November 5. The new legislation will give the council's trading officers and in some cases, the police greater powers to act. "If these new measures are not effective in preventing distress and anti social firework use, there will be mounting pressure for an outright ban."

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Richmond upon Thames this week made a passionate plea for residents, especially the young, to take extra care around bonfires and fireworks. Cllr Nicola Urquhart said: "Used properly, fireworks can be a lot of fun but they can also cause horrific injuries, especially to young children, and distress to neighbours and pets. I am appealing to everyone to be both considerate and careful."

People in the borough are being asked to consider three basic rules: Do not buy fireworks from the back of a van or from any questionable source - they might be cheap but probably will not be safe. Always read the instructions and don't take stupid risks like holding lit fireworks or standing too close before they go off. Use common sense and be considerate of neighbours - particularly if they are pet owners.

Battersea Dogs' Home says there is greater risk of pets going missing at this time of year. Lost or found cats and dogs can be reported to the Lost Dog and Cat Line on 0901 477 8477 (calls cost 60p per minute). Run by trained Battersea staff, the line offers advice, provides active support and recommendations to help prevent pets getting lost in the first place. The line is open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week. Lost or found forms are also available on Battersea's website - www.dogshome.org

October 31 2003, Rochdale Observer, Maximum punishment for arson
POLICE have warned yobs responsible for a spate of fireworks-fuelled arson attacks they could face a life sentence. The message comes after three houses within half a mile of each other had explosives put through their letterbox on Monday night. An elderly woman was among the victims. She and others were treated for shock, but nobody required hospital treatment, and fire crews were not required.

Police said the incidents, which amount to arson with intent to cause injury, could be linked, as they all occurred in the Deeplish area within an hour of each other. One family had also been targeted two nights in a row.

Trouble started shortly before 7.30pm when two fireworks were pushed through a letterbox at a house in Mere Lane. They set fire to the carpet and burned curtains before exploding. Just before 8pm, a similar incident occurred at an address in Pullman Street, with fireworks damaging curtains before exploding. The third report came from a Pomona Street property at around 8.30pm, when a firework exploded, damaging the front of the house.

Rochdale Police Detective Inspector Martin Jeffs said investigating officers were taking the incidents very seriously, and promised to catch those responsible. He said: "It seems from the information we have that these incidents could be linked. We want to make sure that the offenders know we will not be dealing with them lightly. "When we catch them, and we will catch them, we will be treating the incidents as arson with intent to cause injury, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment."

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Rochdale police on 0161 872 5050. Mr Jeffs also urged residents to buy letterbox guards that prevent items being posted through. They are available from Rochdale Council community safety office at the Town Hall. Call 864982 for details.

October 31 2003, The Labour Party, Fireworks are not only really dangerous,
Fireworks are not only really dangerous but cause a noise and nuisance around Bonfire Night every year. What is the government doing about this?
While millions of fireworks are sold and used safely each year the government recognises that many people still have serious concerns about their use.  The Labour government recognises that many communities feel under siege around bonfire night each year as the misuse of fireworks escalates. We're committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in all its forms. That's why we're introducing the Fireworks Act to crack down on the problem but still allow the safe use of fireworks for special occasions.
Through the Fireworks Act we are now able to set a maximum noise limit for fireworks, license retailers selling fireworks and ban their use during anti- social hours. These new laws will not apply to Bonfire Night in 2003, but the Dept for Trade and Industry (DTI) is calling on retailers and consumers to act within the spirit of the new law so that everyone can have fun while considering others and avoiding the misery that fireworks can sometimes cause.
However, we hope to implement parts of the Act dealing with anti-social issues before Christmas. This means that we will create a curfew for the use of fireworks, create an offence for possession of fireworks by minors and implement the fireworks industry's voluntary ban on air bombs by prohibiting their supply.
The Act's other principal provisions - setting a maximum noise limit for fireworks, licensing of suppliers, rules for public firework displays, importation of fireworks and training of display operators - require considerably more time to formulate policy and agreement with other government departments, stakeholders, retailers, enforcement bodies etc. We will start implementation of this part of the Act in the New Year.
The new measures also include a crackdown on illegal markets in fireworks with improved co-ordination of intelligence between Customs and Excise, Health and Safety Executive and Trading Standards Departments, and a new drive to encourage local councils to use their powers to curb the problem of firework noise and nuisance.
We have also secured agreement from the firework industry that fireworks would only be sold three weeks before 5 November, for a few days afterwards and for a similar period over the New Year. However we recognise that this arrangement is not perfect, and that public demand for fireworks extends beyond traditional periods for example, for celebrating weddings, birthdays or religious festivals such as Diwali.
We have decided not to opt for an outright ban on the sale of fireworks to the public - we believe this option is unworkable; it would not only lead to a black market in fireworks but might also encourage people to make home-made fireworks. All fireworks sold in the UK have to comply with strict British safety standards, which also restrict their size and explosive content.
The majority of firework-related accidents are caused by people - particularly young people - ignoring the fireworks safety code. To try to cut accidents among young people, 1997 regulations only allow for fireworks to be sold people aged 18 and over.
Every year, the DTI runs a fireworks safety campaign with the support of organisations such as Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), Fight for Sight and The Blue Cross.
In 2003 we will, again, be targeting misuse of fireworks by teenagers and on injuries caused by sparklers, especially to children under the age of 5 years.
The campaign will include a series of new TV adverts to remind parents that sparklers can cause serious injury if not used sensibly and an advert aimed at teenagers to be shown in selected cinemas in the week leading up to 5th November including the autumn half term holiday. In addition firework packs have been sent to 25,000 schools around the country with teaching materials linked to the National Curriculum about the safe use of fireworks.

October 31 2003, Ulster TV, Parents warned about fireworks
Parents are being warned of the dangers posed by fireworks this Halloween.
In the Republic, gardai say they have seized huge amounts of illegal fireworks already and are particularly concerned that many are sub-standard.
So far this month, hospitals have reported many firework-related injuries.

October 31 2003, Wakefield Today, FEAR OVER ILLEGAL FIREWORK SALES 
FIREWORKS sold from the back of a van have caused residents on the Woodhouse estate to fear for their safety. 
At a meeting of Normanton Home Safety Committee, worried residents said the fireworks are being sold to under-age children on the estate, who have then been using them to terrorise the neighbourhood. Elaine Blezard, secretary of the home safety committee, said: "We have reported it to the police and they are aware of it, but no-one will come forward to say who is doing it. "We were appalled at the reports that people gave us. We need to try and stop the sales."

Fireworks that should only be sold to organised displays have been found in the streets of the estate, such as a giant rocket that is meant to be buried at least 18 inches into the ground before ignition. Mrs Blezard added: "You can imagine the devastation a firework of this size could do. "They have been used to destroy telephone boxes, thrown at people's doors and used with no care or consideration what the consequences might be. Fireworks will maim if used incorrectly."

The home safety committee is now pleading in the run-up to bonfire night for people, young or old, not to buy fireworks from unlawful vendors. Anyone with information about the van illegally selling fireworks should contact the police.   

October 31 2003, Wakefield Today, Sales of Fireworks Should be Limited - Brigade Chief 
OSSETT'S new fire chief says fireworks sales should only be allowed for a week before bonfire night.  He's worried that young people who play with fireworks could seriously injure or even kill themselves or others. 

James Mudd, the new station commander at the Dale Street site, said the next few weeks were the fire brigade's busiest time of the year. He added: "Nationally there is a problem with structural damage from fireworks let off in phone boxes and post boxes by young people and vandals. "There is a certain type of rocket that has been used which is so powerful it actually creates a blast wave. When it's used properly that's not a problem but when it is used in phone boxes and on the streets it is serious." Mr Mudd said he believed the sale of fireworks had now got to the stage where new legislation was needed.

He added: "The situation is now over the top. I don't know if it's a case of children getting more money, but there is a problem. It's getting to the stage where maybe fireworks should be available only a week before November 5 - they seem to be going off every evening. "Although people still hold small firework demonstration in their gardens on bonfire night, I think the best way is to go to an organised display where the fireworks code is used and there are often very impressive demonstrations."

Mr Mudd had a simple message for those thinking of playing around with fireworks or bonfires: don't. He added: "If we are called out to deal with incidents where people have been misusing or playing with fireworks on bonfires and someone genuinely needs us, then it could take longer for us to get there."