October 26 2002, icHuddersfield - Call for curb on fireworks
CALLS are to be made for stronger regulations limiting firework sales to two weeks before November 5. Tories on Kirklees Council will make the call at the full council meeting next Wednesday.  The motion also calls on the Government to grant the police more powers to deal effectively with anyone misusing fireworks by letting them off on the streets and in other public places. The plea comes after the launch of The Examiner Stop The Yobs campaign.
Conservative leader Clr Robert Light said fireworks caused a nuisance and intimidated many people, particularly the elderly and small children. "It is a matter of concern that, although Bonfire Night is celebrated around November 5, fireworks are being let off on our streets throughout autumn and winter," he said.  "Although limiting fireworks sales will not eradicate this problem, it will definitely help and additional powers being granted to the police would certainly provide an effective deterrent." But John Woodhead, chairman of the British Fireworks Association, said it would be a logistical nightmare giving the police greater powers to deal with firework nuisance and being expected to enforce them.  He said a voluntary code of practice was put in place in 1975 restricting firework sales to three weeks before November 5.
And he said more than 90% of legally sold fireworks were made during that period.
But he said there were now other occasions such as New Year's Eve, Diwali -the Asian Festival of Lights - and Chinese New Year when fireworks were used.
Mr Woodhead said last week a new voluntary code was passed which banned airbombs - the cause of the greatest amount of noise on Bonfire Night - from January 1.
The Government is expected to pass legislation supporting the ban later on next year.

October 26 2002, icNewcastle - Be careful you don't get your fingers burned
Householders throughout the land will be celebrating Bonfire Night in just over a week. Elspeth Moncrieff gives a timely insurance warning.  MANY bonfire night celebrations are presently being organised in the region - some by councils but others by local communities, clubs, charities and private individuals.  With a focus on family fun and celebrations, the last thing some organisers may think about is what could go wrong.
It is easy to assume that people who attend fireworks displays do so at their own risk and, as long as the organisers follow safe practices, all will be well.  Unfortunately, that is not guaranteed.
Anyone organising a bonfire night celebration, however well-planned and well-controlled, could end up facing a compensation claim.  There is currently no legal requirement for organisers of firework displays to take out public liability insurance. It is, nevertheless, important to take out insurance.  And that applies even if you're just inviting the neighbours round to share your fireworks.
Potential claims could be astronomical and, however, fun the event or laudable the charity that may benefit, it is just not worth the risk. However, this type of insurance has become very costly.  Insurers are becoming increasingly nervous about the no win, no fee culture, which is claimed to encourage litigation due to the lack of financial risk for claimants.
In the insurance industry, heightened nerves mean increased premiums, with some organisers receiving 2,000pc increases in quotes - and that's if they can find underwriters willing to insure them at all.  This incredible rise in insurance costs will have a negative impact on many smaller displays, where margins are already tight.
Already some organisers of long-running displays are cancelling this year's event due to rocketing costs and, for those who choose to carry on without insurance, the risks are mounting - for both organisers and venue hosts.
In a recent case the Court of Appeal stated that owners of land where public events were held must check that event organisers had valid insurance policies.
The cover must be sufficient to meet any potential claim by visitors who suffered injury on their land.
Landowners who fail to check and insist on public liability insurance could therefore find themselves having to meet shortfalls, where organisers do not have the means to settle personal accident claims themselves.
The message is clear. Anyone organising a bonfire celebration should ensure they have adequate insurance. If they cannot obtain it or it is too expensive, the event should be cancelled.
Anyone who has agreed that their land can be used for a display must check that the organisers are fully insured. If not, it is not just the guy who runs a serious risk of getting his fingers burned!
* Elspeth Moncrieff is a Senior Associate in the Property Litigation department of Dickinson Dees, Quayside, Newcastle, contacted on (0191) 279-9383 or elspeth.moncrieff@ dickinson-dees.com

October 26 2002, Independent Independent, Fireworks insurance is rocketing
A booming compensation culture and soaring injuries mean insurance is harder to find, says William Kay. Hundreds of bonfire parties are being called off next weekend because insurance premiums have been hiked by as much as 30 times since last year. And that was before the Fire Brigades Union announced its second 48-hour strike for next weekend, a peak time for bonfires, and when there is a rising tide of fireworks being thrown by what one MP has called "mindless morons".
This premiums rise is partly a reaction to the alarming 40 per cent jump in firework-related injuries last November, but insurers are also blaming the wave of terrorist attacks and what is seen as the growing "compensation culture".
Accidents at back-garden firework parties should be covered by normal household insurance, but the industry is increasing premiums for the bigger event usually held as a one-off by untrained amateurs. This goes against long-standing official advice to attend an organised bonfire night rather than doing it yourself.
The Department of Trade and Industry says 1,362 people were injured around Guy Fawkes Night last year, the worst since 1995, with accidents involving those under 18 up from 557 to 787. Street accidents rose by 58 per cent and injuries at family parties by 42 per cent.
Sarah Colles, home safety adviser at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: "These figures are extremely worrying. It is vital that everyone follows the firework code, and adults do not allow children to play with them. Fireworks should be sold only to people 18 or over, but there is no safety benefit in the restrictions if friends and relatives pass fireworks to youngsters."
Fortunately, this is the last year the ear-splitting airbomb firework - described by its main importer as a favourite of the mindless few - will be on sale. The £2 Mega Airbomb banger, made in Asia, shoots up into the air and goes off with a deafening bang. It recently took a man's finger off. The Lanarkshire Labour MP, Frank Roy, a leading campaigner against fireworks, has condemned what he calls "the menace of fireworks being thrown by mindless morons".
But the rise in insurance premiums far outstrips the higher number of injuries. Events which last year cost £25 or £30 to insure are this year costing up to £800, in many cases considerably more than the price of the fireworks.
Consequently, many clubs, residents' associations and other small groups are scrapping their plans, and others are believed to be going ahead without insurance.
One of the leading insurance brokers to firework manufacturers and display specialists is Torrible's, in Bristol. Murray Torrible said: "There is difficulty with getting insurance for one-off displays, the village-green type of event. It is expensive, so it will be a quiet 5 November. "There was a knee-jerk reaction after 11 September last year for tighter insurance contracts, especially for explosives of all kinds, for the demolition and construction industry mainly, but including fireworks. There are an increasing number of claims and insurers have not been profitable for years. People should go to professional display companies, who are insured."
The scale of the problem was borne out by Graham Lundegaard, a partner in a West Country manufacturer, Sandling Fireworks, who says they lost thousands of pounds' worth of business in cancelled orders by people who would normally put on a display as part of their fund-raising efforts. But his sales of so-called "pack fireworks" had jumped. "I think some people are shrugging their shoulders and insuring themselves. Our fireworks are covered by product insurance, and clubs normally have public liability insurance. After all, people make a lot of money our of these parties, as fundraising events."
Malcolm Tarling, of the Association of British Insurers, said: "Liability insurance is going up across the board, and has been for the past three or four years, because of the increased compensation culture. Bonfire parties are difficult to organise, difficult to police, and there is the risk of someone suffering injury and suing.
"We are seeing an increase in people looking around for someone to sue. There has never been much of a scramble to provide cover for these events, and if you are not an existing policyholder you may find it difficult to get insurance."
Some insurers are offering cover to customers who already have a policy. NFU Mutual, which specialises rural property and has many farmers on its books, confirmed it will do so at the same price as last year, but it is taking a more cautious approach to the events it will cover.
Sid Gibson, the firm's underwriting manager, says: "There has been a slight over-reaction by the market. But people see all these big awards for damages and if they are organising a firework party they worry that if a child is injured they will be personally liable. So insurers have become wary of providing cover.
But well-organised bonfire parties should represent an acceptable underwriting risk. When it comes to provision of cover for reasonably high-risk and short-term events, a lot of insurers cannot be bothered or want much higher premiums.
"We will provide cover only for people who have some connection with us. If we insure a farmer already, we will make the facility available to him so he can hold a bonfire party in his field. But if someone just walks through the door from a parent-teacher association, we wouldn't do it. What is important than the higher premium is the way the occasion is organised and the safety features which are employed."
Co-operative Insurance Society is taking a similar line, charging an unchanged £30 for public liability at a bonfire party of up to 1,000 people, but only if the insured already has a policy with CIS. A spokesman says: "It makes sense to go to an organised event, because the probability of getting injured is far less, but when things do go wrong at such events it can cause injury more easily.
"People are more aware of what they can do in claiming damages for injuries. We insist on customers having an existing link with us to make sure we are not overexposed to these types of risks by ensuring we are not inundated with requests."
Higher premiums and greater difficulty in finding cover seem to be changing the pattern of firework displays. Many people will swap the village green or public park for their back garden, exactly what the government and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents have said they do not want. And, as the insurance broker People's Choice pointed out this week, you are four times more likely than usual to be burgled on 5 November.
'People will risk unsafe parties'
Nicholas and Daniel Dean look forward to the firework party held each Guy Fawkes' Night in the communal gardens of the converted school where they live with their parents. But this year it has been scrapped because the residents' association of the development, near Hertford, cannot afford the insurance.
"It's prohibitive," Mrs Dean said. "We were quoted £268 when we paid £25 last year. For the past three or four years we have held a couple of communal events a year, usually bonfire night and Christmas carols. We've had to contact everyone who was invited and tell them it's off."
Although Mrs Dean's association can spend £700 on fireworks, she said they did not require special training to ignite them, and they put up cordons to keep children at a safe distance. But, the alternative, of all ground-floor residents retreating to their individual patios, has been ruled out on safety grounds.
"The trouble is, we need insurance because people bring grandchildren. It's greedy of the insurance companies, and it's forcing people back to those back-garden parties, which are less safe."
RoSPA GUIDE TO FIREWORK SAFETY
* Young people should enjoy fireworks at a safe distance, and follow the safety rules for sparklers. Only adults should deal with firework displays. They should also take care of the safe disposal of used fireworks.
* Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable.
* Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
* Read and follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if necessary.
* Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks except when ready to light them.
* Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
* Never return to a firework once it is lit.
* Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
* Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
* Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
* Make sure the bonfire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

October 26 2002, Leicester Mercury, CONCERNS OVER CHILDREN SETTING OFF FIREWORKS
Reports of children posting fireworks through letterboxes and lighting them in the streets has led police and trading standards to warn shopkeepers and parents to act responsibly.  With a week to go before bonfire night, police have had scores of complaints from residents worried about youths setting off fireworks in the street. An estimated 120 reports of firework misuse have been made to police in the central area of the city during October.
In one incident last week, officers at Asfordby Street police station say a firework was thrown into a building. The area, which includes Highfields and Spinney Hill Park, has suffered around 30 reports of misuse of fireworks.
Insp Steve Davis said: "Clearly this is a seasonal problem and it gets progressively worse as we approach bonfire night.  "We have had quite a number of incidents of children in the street throwing fireworks and being very careless as to where they are discharged.  "That has caused quite a bit of concern within the community.  "We have visited the shops to remind them of their responsibilities about selling to underage children.  "Shopkeepers and parents are reminded of their responsibility to not allow them to have fireworks."
John Knight, principal trading standards officer at the city council, said officers had carried out an undercover operation to target shopkeepers who were selling fireworks to children under 18.  He said; "We have had people saying children were walking round the streets in the Spinney Hill area with fireworks in their pockets and letting them off and putting them through letterboxes.  "That side of things goes to the police. We have to register shops that sell fireworks and monitor the sale of fireworks. It is an offence to sell to a child under 18 - the maximum fine for that is £5,000."

October 26 2002, The News and Star, FIREWORKS CAN WRECK A GUIDE DOG FOR LIFE
A BLIND West Cumbrian woman has warned that reckless use of fireworks could ruin her life by scaring her guide dog so much that she is no longer able to work.

Leah James, 25, of Cleator Moor, is urging people to sign the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's petition, Regulate Fireworks Now, which calls for an end to distress caused to guide dogs by fireworks.
She says that every year at least one guide dog in the area is forced to retire prematurely after being traumatised by the irresponsible use of fireworks.
It costs the Guide Dog Association around 30,000 to train and look after a guide dog from birth to the end of their working life when they are eight to 10 years old.
Mrs James, who has been blind since birth, relies entirely on her two-year-old dog Mitzie to lead as active and independent a life as possible. Mitzie is her third guide dog. Without her, Mrs James would be trapped at home. Her husband Brian also relies on his guide dog Lynton to get out and about.
"I am totally blind and going for a loaf of bread would be impossible without Mitzie," said Mrs James.
Thrown
She is calling on shopkeepers and parents to educate children about the correct use of fireworks.
"They are not things to be thrown about or let off weeks before Bonfire Night," she said.
"Bonfire Night should be kept to just one or two nights, with organised events, so that we could keep the dogs away from it.
"You could keep them in with the radio on loud, and even keep more sensitive dogs tranquillised. But you can't keep doing that every night for a month."
Mrs James added that she could not leave her house after 5pm at this time of year because of children letting off fireworks.
"If I want anything after that I have to find someone to go for me," she said. "I couldn't take the risk. If a firework went off near her it could scare her so much she could become 'noise-shy' and that could stop her working.
"That would be extremely distressing for me because I have already been through a few guide dogs and I don't want to do it again."
Mrs James got her first guide dog Doris five years ago. Until then, she had never walked along the street on her own.
Doris was forced to retire through ill-health and Mrs James has kept her as a pet. Her second dog Preston also retired prematurely after developing cancer. Now she is desperate not to lose Mitzie because they have become such a good team.
It takes up to eight months of work by a team of volunteer puppy walkers to train a guide dog.
And no matter how many guide dogs they have had, a new owner must undergo five weeks' training with their new animal.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's Regulate Fireworks Now petition calls for:
a   Fireworks retailers and organisers of public firework displays to be licensed;
b   A limit on noise levels;
c   A limited number of dates when fireworks can be sold. Sale to the public would not be permitted outside these dates.
To support the campaign, log on to: www.guidedogs.org.uk

All signatures will be presented to the Government in the New Year

October 26 2002, This is Bristol - SOAPBOX - FIREWORKS
An R Williams (Post, October 21) and C Weids (Post, October 23) are not the only ones who see the effect fireworks have on people and pets. I have worked very hard with my rescue dog to give him confidence, to see it all lost because of the noise from fireworks. This year they have been going off since the second week of August, and by the time New Year is over it will be very nearly six months of shaking, panting and sheer terror.
It's time to close the fireworks shops and the sale of fireworks to the public.
A. M. D. Withywood.

ON the subject of firework nuisance, we in the Avon Way area of Thornbury have to put up with fireworks from September to January at all times of the day or night.  On top of that we are going to have the silly season of flour and eggs thrown at our houses for the Halloween fiasco.
B. C. Thornbury.

I WHOLE-HEARTEDLY sympathise with A M R Williams, of Hengrove, about fireworks (Post, October 21).
The weeks leading up to Bonfire Night produce complaints and protests about fireworks being let off, annoying people, and yobs frightening and torturing animals.
Why do we still have to "celebrate" this outdated occasion?
Once November 5 is over, although fireworks continue to be let off, the protests subside until the next year.
We should continue to argue that fireworks should not be on sale to the general public but only available for organised displays.
Perhaps writing to our MPs and keeping on protesting throughout the whole year might eventually bring about a change in the law and the end of the unnecessary sale of fireworks.
G. S. Bristol.

I REPLY to a letter from Celia Welds of Clevedon, in response to my e-mail in Soapbox.
I would like to thank her for taking the time to reply. I am very distressed to hear that her granddaughter is so traumatised by fireworks in her area. This is far worse than the upset it causes to my dog and for this reason, I am even more determined to carry on my crusade to get the misuse of fireworks banned.
I agree with Celia that fireworks should only be sold to groups for safe and supervised displays, and that selling them to the public in general should be banned.
I have e-mailed the Chief Constable of Bristol and am now in contact with my beat constable, who is very sympathetic and will do all he can to help me.
Also, I have contacted the Trading Standards, and they are also concerned and tell me that they are receiving more complaints than ever before.
I have also contacted Dawn Primarola at the House of Commons and await her reply with interest. The Environmental Health people are also very concerned and give me their support.
I also thank the person from Kingswood who wrote to Open Lines this week. There are many more people that I know personally who are bothered by this persistent nuisance and would like something done.
I intend to take this matter as far as possible and when I gather all the support that I can, I will be contacting the Prime Minister.
I want it made clear that I am not a miserable old woman and don't want fireworks banned completely, because I know that many people get a lot of pleasure from them, but I feel very strongly that the laws need to be changed, not only for the sake of the public in general but for the safety of the individuals who abuse fireworks. They must be putting themselves in great danger as some of the explosions are very loud, so must be from very powerful fireworks.
I am logging the times of all firework noises, and they usually start at about 6pm . . . although sometimes earlier, and don't finish until gone midnight on some nights.
I am sure that most decent people would agree that this is unreasonable.
So, come on all you Post readers out there. Please respond to my letter and give me all the support that you can.
Thank you all in anticipation of your replies.
A. W. Hengrove, by e-mail.

October 26 2002, This is Hampshire, For your pets' sake, remember, remember the 5th of November
The traditional Guy Fawkes Night is one of the highlights of autumn but the huge bonfires, fireworks, and skyrockets seem to be heard well in advance of November 5 so pet owners beware!
PDSA - Britain's No one. veterinary charity warns that what is fun for people is not always fun for pets. "Every year PDSA hospitals are faced with a range of firework-related injuries," says PDSA senior vet Elaine Pendlebury. "We have treated dogs and cats that have had fireworks taped to their tails: others suffering from severe distress or heart attacks precipitated by the noise of fireworks.
"Pets don't enjoy Guy Fawkes Night or Hallowe'en because they don't understand that the loud noises and explosions are supposed to be entertaining. All pets see is a very frightening situation that seems to have come out of the blue."
The evening is the main danger time so prepare for the noise by thinking ahead of November 5:-
Dogs:
Dogs should be exercised during the day, well before the fireworks start. To make them feel more secure during the evening allow them to stay in a room with the curtains drawn and the familiar background sound of a TV or radio for company.
If a dog shows any signs of anxiety when the fireworks start don't be tempted to fuss over them. Provide them with a place to hide until it's all over and then allow them to emerge in their own time.
Cats:
Unfortunately, cats are a prime target for abuse over the firework season. To keep your cat out of trouble keep him indoors and provide a litter tray so that he doesn't need to venture outdoors.
Caged animals:
Caged animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs must be protected from the distressing noise and the dangers of smoke and sparks. If possible, transfer the cage/hutch indoors for the evening, or alternatively place a piece of sacking over the cage.
If you know that your pet is particularly nervous when faced with the noise and flash of fireworks then consult your vet now for advice. "There are many new products available to help dogs and cats overcome noise and firework phobia and one could be right for your pet," advises Elaine. "Please remember that you should never be tempted to administer any form of `human' medication as this could be harmful to your pet."
And finally; before lighting the bonfire, don't forget to check for small wild animals which may have taken refuge there. Hedgehogs in particular, have been discovered in the middle of bonfires, where they have burrowed in for shelter. So always look before you light your fire.
Guy Fawkes Night celebrations can be so much more enjoyable for everyone if a few simple precautions are taken for your pets - and do remember the firework code.

October 26 2002, This is Nottingham, MUM TRAPPED BY FIREWORK
Young mum Sarah Brown, who had a lucky escape when a firework was thrown through her letterbox, today backed the Evening Post's Be Safe Not Sorry campaign. She and her baby daughter were in bed asleep when they were woken by two loud explosions.  Her hall filled with smoke, trapping her and ten-month-old daughter, Nicole, upstairs where they were unable to reach a phone to call for help.
Neighbours in Patterson Place, Mansfield, saw the 22-year-old shouting for help from her bedroom window and called the emergency services.
But Sarah and Nicole were lucky. The large roman candle firework - called an atombomber - showered the hall with sparks and filled the house with smoke, then spluttered out before any serious damage was done.  "I heard two massive bangs then I saw all the smoke coming from the doorway," said Sarah.  "If my daughter had been awake and playing in the hallway, it could have killed her. We were just very lucky.  "If the hallway had gone up, there is no way we could have got out. We would have been trapped."
Backing the Post's campaign to have fireworks removed from sale to the public, she added: "I don't think   fireworks should be sold to anybody - you should have to see them in a show."
Inspector Sean Konsek, local area commander for Mansfield, said police were investigating the incident which happened at 6.30am on Thursday.
Firefighters from Mansfield attended the incident. Sub-officer Andy Green said Sarah and Nicole had had a lucky escape.
He urged people to back the Post's campaign. "The potential of misused fireworks is devastating and I have seen cases like this develop into a much more serious situation. "Here we have a young woman with a baby in a scenario that could easily have become life threatening." He also warned the public about the importance of smoke alarms and backed another of the Post's campaigns - Sounding The Alarm, which aims to see every home fitted with an alarm.  Sarah had bought an alarm several months previously but had not got round to installing it.
The Post's Be Safe Not Sorry campaign was launched last December after a deluge of letters from readers saying they were fed up with the noise, nuisance and distress that fireworks caused. The campaign has won the backing of several Notts MPs.

October 25 2002, Evening Chronicle, Action needed on fireworks
For weeks now we have listened to fireworks being set off and watched our animals hide, shaking under the table, is anything being done about the sale of fireworks?
Recently I have seen them sold at half price.  I can't help think these must be old stock from last year.  Isn't it possible these old fireworks could be unstable and the children who buy them put themselves at risk?
How many more children will be injured and animals terrified by ongoing noises that have been heard for the past four weeks?
Will the organised sites for November 5 become a reality or is it just a figment of imagination.
A. H. Newcastle

October 25 2002, Express and Star, Dangerous firework could cause injuries
Families are being warned to stay away from an imported firework which could cause horrific injuries if lit the wrong way, Trading Standards officers have warned.
The metre-long Roman Candle firework, which may be on sale in shops across Staffordshire, is currently being tested, but officers fear even if it passes national safety standards it could still be dangerous if misused. One shop in Burton has already voluntarily agreed to withdraw the firework from sale and officers are now making their way round other shops to do the same.
If lit the wrong way the firework could explode sideways instead of shooting upwards and result in horrific injuries - including causing blindness.
Councillor Robert Simpson, Staffordshire County Council's Leader for Consumer Affairs, said one of the main concerns was the Roman Candle was a display firework and not suitable for small gardens.
People had to be at least 25 metres away from the firework after it was lit and few people had gardens that large.
"The writing on the firework is along its length and you do not know which is the top and bottom," he said.
"There is a rubber cap at both ends and the fuse is also along the side. The firework could explode if lit the wrong end. There is nothing on it to say which is the top and bottom."
Councillor Simpson said the instructions also fail to reveal how deep the firework should be buried in the garden. If it is not deep enough it could topple over and explode horizontally - putting people at risk.
"If the firework is lit the wrong way it could cause horrific injuries, and if it got into eyes it could blind people," added councillor Simpson.
"Officers are now going round shops and asking them to take part in a voluntary withdrawal. They are also asking people if they come across the firework to let Trading Standards know."
Last year just one firework injury was dealt with by Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Stafford and Cannock Hospitals, and six others in the Burton area.

October 25 2002, Express and Star, Fears for woman's health after dog lost
A 65-year-old animal lover is becoming ill with worry after her beloved pet dog went missing in the Black Country almost a month ago.  Pensioner June Clayton fears her collie-retriever cross Chelsea, who needs regular treatment for a heart condition, will be injured by fireworks in the run up to Bonfire Night.   Friends are growing increasingly concerned for Mrs Clayton's health and have offered a substantial reward for help to find her pet.
The six-year-old dog, which is black with a greying muzzle, escaped from the garden of Mrs Clayton's friend Linda Bissell, in Knowle Hill Road, Netherton, on September 28.
Mrs Clayton, from Birmingham, and concerned friends have trawled the streets, put up posters and taken out advertisements in a bid to trace the animal.
Mrs Bissell's friend Lisa Grove said: "June has become ill, worrying herself sick about what might have happened to Chelsea. She has had her since she was a puppy, so she is like a child to her.
"She is a very timid dog and we are particularly frightened of what could happen to her with Bonfire Night coming up and kids messing around with fireworks.  "She may well have got lost trying to find her way back home to Birmingham."  Mrs Grove urged anyone who might have seen Chelsea to contact Mrs Bissell on 01384 234702 or 07949 595920.

October 25 2002, Express and Star, Rogue fireworks sale fine warning
Trading standards watchdogs today said traders caught illegally selling fireworks to children they face prosecution and heavy fines.  Last year saw 50% more reported injuries to teenagers last year, the biggest increase for seven years.  In Worcestershire Peter Holmes, Principal Trading Standards Officer, said "We receive complaints each year concerning children and youths letting fireworks off in the street. "This not only creates a significant danger to the children themselves, but is a serious nuisance to members of the surrounding community."
Trading standards officers are again running a 'proof of age' scheme called Citizencard which has in previous years proved highly successful. More than 800 free trader packs have been issued so far.
Community safety spokesman Councillor Stephen Clee said: "The fact firework injuries occur each year is extremely concerning, but the problem is exacerbated by unscrupulous traders selling fireworks to children. All traders should ask for identification and the production of a Citizencard."

October 25 2002, icBerkshire - Family suffers 'screaming' firework attack
A TERRIFIED young Reading mother says her daughter could have been blinded when vandals sent two fireworks "screaming" through her letter box. And hairdresser Louise Penny says the vicious thugs aimed the rockets down the hallway of her terraced town centre home intending to cause maximum damage.
Louise, 23, and three-year-old daughter Diaz were woken just before the blast at their home in The Grove, off South Street, at around 2am on Tuesday.  Speaking hours later, she said: "I heard several kids standing outside my front door and banging the letter box.  "I know now they were trying to fix the rocket in the flap so it would fly straight through and really hurt anyone caught in its way. "I heard the crackle, and then it screamed down the hallway before exploding in an enormous bang. "My first thought was that burglars were breaking in, then I actually thought we were being bombed, it was so frightening."
Louise added: "There was so much thick black smoke filling the house I was scared to come out of my bedroom, even though my daughter was screaming in her bed next door."
Firefighters say the consequences of the unprovoked attack could have been even worse because one of the rockets failed to detonate, so it could have gone off at the moment the pair were escaping from the house.
Louise said: "The other firework could have easily blown up in my daughter's face while we tried to get out, and that does not bear thinking about. "I really did think the house was going to burn down and we would be trapped inside. I just can't sleep any more and I won't be happy until the letter box is boarded up, I don't care about my mail. "I would never have dreamed of doing anything like this when I was younger, and I hope the people who did this realise how dangerous it can be."
Anyone with information about the attack should contact Reading police on 0118 953 6000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

October 25 2002, icSolihull - Be smart plea over fireworks
Councillor Dr David Evans is advising residents to visit organised firework displays on Bonfire Night instead of holding their own because of the looming strike by the fire service.  Last year there was a 40 per cent increase in accidents over the firework period.  The council will be distributing leaflets to householders to remind them of safety issues and to be considerate of other.
Councillor Dr. Evans, said: ""I urge residents to support properly organised firework displays, as they are safer and more spectacular."
The leaflets are available from Solihull Connect, public libraries, firework retailers, or direct from Solihull Trading Standards and Licensing on 0845 3303313.

October 25 2002, Local London, Passengers terrified by firework gang
Terrified passengers including a woman seven months pregnant cowered as a lit firework thrown by a gang of youths rocketed through their busy tube carriage on Wednesday night, October 23, spewing out flame and smoke before exploding.  The youths threw the firework into the train at East Finchley station at about 6.30pm just as the doors were closing, trapping commuters inside as it detonated.
Sherry Taylor-Wright of Woodside Park, had travelled on the same train as the gang from Leicester Square.
"As the doors closed at East Finchley all three of them leapt up and threw a rocket into the carriage," she said.
"Bang! The explosion was unreal like a bomb. The carriage filled up with smoke. Everyone was ducking as this thing zoomed around, flames coming out of it. It seemed to last forever.   "There was a lady seven months pregnant the sheer terror on her face was unreal. She was just about to have her first child. I took her to the end of the carriage and opened the window."
At Finchley Central Mrs Taylor-Wright told the driver what had happened "People were coming up to me and asking what the explosion was. And those youths thought it was funny. They should know better after what happened in New York and in Bali," she said.
But the incident was not recorded in the station log books at Finchley Central or East Finchley. And a spokesman for the British Transport Police said the matter had not yet been reported to them.

October 25 2002, Manchester News, Death of Megan
Fireworks can and are being used indiscriminately as weapons to throw and as a means to torture animals. Dogs and cats are being injured and in some cases blown up with fireworks. Fireworks are being sold, bought and used in public for months before and after November 5 and December 25. Fireworks should be banned by law and only sold to registered users for controlled displays.
A F. Derbyshire

October 25 2002, Manchester Online, Firework scars of party girl
THE scars on Kelly Sutcliffe's face and arm show why over- the-counter sales of fireworks should be banned.
For the rest of her life the Manchester airport worker will have a daily reminder of how dangerous they are.
Kelly, 20, who is suing the firm which supplied the firework which injured her, is joining the Manchester Evening News in calling for a ban on sales to the public.
Kelly was left with permanent scarring after being struck on the chest, chin, wrist and face during a party at her aunt's house last New Year's Eve.
Kelly, from Heald Green, Stockport, said: "I'm often asked if I have tried to kill myself because of the scars on my wrists. The whole ordeal has just shattered my confidence and I'm always left worrying what people think of me when they see the scars.
Compensation
"I've decided to take legal action not because I want some money as compensation but because I don't want other people to have to go through what I have.
"I think fireworks have to be banned but if they are to carry on being sold, then they should at least only be sold to organisers of special events or things like that."
Kelly said she was injured after her father, Andrew, had bought two boxes of fireworks for the party from Waterways Garden Centre in Rossett, Wrexham.
Kelly was inside the house watching the fireworks being set off in the garden as they celebrated the New Year. But a Roman candle-type firework exploded after it was lit sending a fireball shooting past the crowd of onlookers and through the patio door before hitting Kelly.
Blood
Kelly said: "At first I didn't realise I had been hit, but when I stood up my sister screamed. There was blood everywhere and my face was a mess. I looked like a monster."
She was taken to hospital and transferred to a specialist unit once doctors realised she needed to see a plastic surgeon. She had five stitches put in her cheek but weeks later Kelly had to return to hospital to have it re-stitched after finding a small piece of cardboard still left in her cheek.
Paul Buxton, Waterways Garden Centre, Wings and Fins Ltd managing director, said all their fireworks go through the appropriate testing and conform to British standards.
He said they come with instructions telling people to stand at least 25 metres away from where any firework is set up.
Mr Buxton said: "Safety is paramount and we are very distressed when anyone gets hurt by a firework.
"We have had no problems with fireworks in that batch before and all our fireworks are suitably tested."

October 25 2002, Manchester Online, Firework thugs cause mum to lose baby
A YOUNG mum has told of the harrowing moment she lost her unborn child after being hit in the stomach by a firework put through her letterbox by a gang of thugs.
This woman, whose identity we have agreed to protect, is backing the call for a ban on the public sale of fireworks. Here she tells her own story:
"I ABSOLUTELY agree that all sales of fireworks should be banned and that only organised events should take place.
I moved to my present address last October with my partner and young daughter. I was expecting another child, and wanted to be near my relatives. They had lived in the area for years and never experienced any trouble.
Just before Bonfire Night last year, at around 9.40pm, I carried my daughter upstairs to bed. As I laid her on the bed there was a whizzing sound, a large bang and flashes of light.
I looked down the stairs and I could see three youths behind the glass door. One was putting another firework through the letterbox. The carpet was on fire and my daughter was screaming.
I panicked. I had to get out. I ran down the stairs, covering my face and screaming: "Ring the police, the fire brigade, anything!"
My partner was trapped in the living room. I felt a sudden sharp pain. A firework had hit me in the stomach. I managed to open the front door, but all I could see was smoke. The youths had gone.
I lost my baby.
I was in hospital for five weeks and I nearly died. I needed two blood transfusions and a lot of medical care.
Now my daughter is absolutely petrified of fireworks and of the noises they make. She will not sleep in her own bed, or go to the toilet by herself. These firework yobs have left her an emotional wreck. My partner, who is Asian, blames himself. We believe the attack was racially motivated.
We have endured racial taunts and criminal damage to our vehicles. The police have been kept informed, but nothing seems to have been done. The perpetrators have never been caught.
Where is the justice in all this? I lost my baby, my daughter has been emotionally scarred for life, and our lives will never be the same again, yet these young men are allowed to walk around, free to do it all over again.
I worry about what will happen next and am frightened for my family, as Bonfire Night is just around the corner. What if next time we don't get out of the house?
Some young people are using fireworks as weapons."
A Worried Mother, Greater Manchester

October 25 2002, The Inverness Courier, Fireworks clampdown 'damp squib'
AN Inverness councillor has called for tough action to stop the mis-use of fireworks.
Merkinch councillor Peter Corbett, said Highland Council was a "toothless tiger" on the issue and he condemned the Scottish Executive for allowing teenagers to carry explosive materials which cause untold misery to vulnerable people.
This week Northern Constabulary and Highland Council launched a joint campaign to reduce accidents and curb the nuisance caused by fireworks and bonfires in the run up to the Guy Fawkes Night celebrations.
The campaign which will run until 10th November will include visits to registered firework retailers to enforce their legal responsibilities and to encourage them to give buyers guidance on using fireworks safely. It will also involve robust policing to counter the misuse of fireworks.
The issue has assumed even greater importance with the likelihood of industrial action by the fire brigade.
Councillor Corbett said that this did not go far enough. "We've had a problem with fireworks for a number of years, just the same as other councillors in Inverness. I feel we've been let down," he declared.
"We come up with the same rigmarole, the same mish-mash of threats and measures to try and control the problem and it achieves nothing.
"Highland Council is a toothless tiger in this situation. What they're proposing is the same old stuff we get every year and nothing is improving at all."
At the launch of the campaign councillor David Munro, the council's spokesman for consumer protection, said many incidents happen in the street and that a significant number of people injured are well below the legal age limit for being supplied with fireworks.
"The law needs to be tightened and the council is actively working with the Scottish Executive and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to recommend changes which will restrict the period within which fireworks can be advertised and sold and more effectively vet the sale of fireworks," he added.
Councillor Corbett said that so far the Executive and the Scottish Parliament has not listened to pleas from local authorities.
"I saw a recent transcript of a debate in the Scottish Parliament about fireworks and not one of our Highland MSPs spoke on the issue," he commented. "They are trying to change it but they're dragging their feet and we're still going through this process of selling explosives to children and irresponsible adults. We are actually selling explosives to people and allowing them to use them any way they want, and unfortunately there's not a thing the council can do about it."
Councillor Corbett would like to see a crackdown on the misuse of fireworks which would make it very difficult for anyone to buy them and use them irresponsibly.
He added: "I would like to see really strict control and the registering of all the people who buy fireworks. There's no need to sell fireworks to individuals and anyone who buys them should be registered with the council and the police.
"It should be recorded what they buy, when they buy it and how much they buy. If there are problems we can trace back and find out who's been misusing fireworks."

October 25 2002, The News & Star, SHOPS TOLD NOT TO SELL FIREWORKS TO CHILDREN
POLICE in West Cumbria are warning shopkeepers not to sell fireworks to youngsters in the run up the Bonfire Night. The call follows an increase in trouble caused by youngsters throwing fireworks at people and animals and comes after the Department for Trade and Industry unveiled tough new measures to cut the number of firework injuries.
Detective Constable Bryn Seldon, of the area intelligence unit in Whitehaven, said the trouble had been particularly bad in Whitehaven and Arlecdon, where youths have been terrorising their neighbourhoods by throwing fireworks at people out walking their dogs and running amok with fireworks on estates.
Warning
It is an offence to misuse fireworks and to let them off near a public highway. It is also an offence for traders to sell fireworks to under-16s.
Police are warning that anyone caught using fireworks recklessly and dangerously will be dealt with.
Extra foot patrols will be put in place in trouble hotspots like Frizington, Arlecdon and Distington over the coming weeks to stop youths from misusing the fireworks in the run-up to November 5.

October 25 2002, The West Cumberland Times and Star, FIREWORK PETITION GOES TO NO 10
OVER 200,000 people have signed a petition calling for tighter controls on the sale of fireworks.
Workington MP Tony Cunningham and Brent North MP Barry Gardiner presented the signatures, 1,600 of which were from the Workington constituency, to 10 Downing Street last week.
On Wednesday, Mr Gardiner raised the issue at Question Time and was told that a recent ban on fireworks in Northern Ireland had brought about a substantial reduction in injuries.
Six pilot areas on the mainland have been selected to introduce by-laws which will ban particularly noisy fireworks.
In addition, a new code of conduct has been drawn up by the Fireworks Manufacturers' Association.
"The government will monitor what happens as a result of these measures and if they find there are less injuries then it might recommend further actions. This is a step in the right direction," said Mr Cunningham.
Earlier this year he called on Parliament to allow sales only in the run-up to Bonfire Night and New Year's Eve, and to restrict who could buy fireworks. However, a private member's bill by Mr Gardiner did not gain assent from parliament.
Mr Cunningham became involved in the campaign after complaints from constituents.
"In the past, fireworks were let off in the week before Bonfire Night but it appears now they are going off all the time and people are fed up," he said.
"Just recently a lady in Cockermouth told me that her neighbours came home just before midnight and decided to have a fireworks party. It is that kind of inconsiderate behaviour which causes the problems."
The Fireworks Manufacturers' Association self-regulates the industry and pays for an annual safety advertising campaign. It has also imposed a voluntary sales code which bans sales until three weeks before November 5.
Businesses are required to register with Trading Standards if they want to sell fireworks but registration requests cannot be refused. Officers can, however, do spot checks and seize illegal fireworks.
But Mr Cunningham believes the voluntary code is not working and that there are considerable problems being caused, including massive public expenditure on fighting fires caused by fireworks and treating injuries in hospitals.
"I would just ask that people think about the impact on other people before they set off fireworks. The blind, the elderly, young children and animals can be very frightened. It is possible to have firework displays which are colourful and pretty but avoid noisy bangs," said Mr Cunningham.

October 25 2002, this is Bristol - FEEDBACK FIREWORK REGULATIONS
I am writing in agreement to the article about the controlling of the hours that people can light fireworks in Westonsuper-Mare, this year. Apparently it's in response to pet owners who are, rightly, upset at the adverse effect that the noise fireworks have on their pets.
I would like to say, it isn't just pets that are affected by this. Thousands of parents in the Bristol area, my husband and I included, have young children, who are absolutely petrified by the loud noises that come with fireworks.
Ours are aged six, four, and three. For around 2-3 weeks up to and including November 5, and on New Year's Eve, there are people around us, (we live in Yate) who, just as I am putting our children to bed for 7.30pm, start igniting fireworks.
My children then become very tearful and frightened, and they're lucky if they can get to sleep by 9pm.
Children should be able to feel safest, tucked up in their own cosy beds, but when they hear the fireworks, ours don't.  And how do you explain to a small child that something that causes the noise that's scaring them is actually for fun?
A lot of these early fireworks are being let off by teenagers behaving in an irresponsible manner, with absolutely no thought for anything or anyone else, but their own entertainment.  Others are let off by people having these explosives as part of a party . . . which is all well and good and very nice and an effective way to end a party.
I really am of the opinion that if fireworks have to be let off at all, they're far safer at an organised display.
Now, anyone reading this would be forgiven for thinking I'm part of the anti-firework brigade . . . I'm actually not, I love them myself, but our children find them terrifying, and their needs have to come first.
So, please . . . if you're planning to have fireworks at home this year, do think of parents living around you, who are going to have to cope with frightened, and trembling small children, when those children should be calming down for bed.  And please, be safe.
C. P. by e-mail.

October 25 2002, this is Gloucestershire, FIREWORKS FRIGHT KILLED MY PET
Yes, fireworks should be banned except for November 5, or a day after. My house pet, a guinea pig, shakes and trembles with fear night after night.
A couple of years ago, a guinea pig I had died of fright as I held him, trying to comfort him and reassure him. Dogs and cats are also terrified. If these people had lived during the last war, the air raids and our guns on Robinswood Hill every night, it would have put them off loud bangs for life.
MRS H. R. Gloucester

October 25 2002, This is Lancashire, Crackdown on illegal fireworks
A GROUP of children has joined the front-line battle against illegal firework sales in Blackpool.  As part of a trading standards operation to catch out retailers who sell fireworks to under 18s, under-age youngsters are attempting to buy fireworks in shops across town .
Blackpool's principal trading standards officer, Alan Smith, said: "All premises that sell fireworks have to be registered and the age limit that you can sell to is 18 or above and that includes sparklers.  "We will be using under-age people for test purchasing to ensure that retailers are complying with the age restrictions. It would be most appreciated if we didn't get one sale."  He added: "Certain display fireworks, providing they have got the British Standard on, can be sold to the public.  "But all category four fireworks and some very large category two or three fireworks can't be sold to the public -- they are normally for display.  "There are other fireworks which have been banned from sale to the public such as bangers, mini rockets and other fireworks with erratic flights such as rip-raps, jumping crackers and that type of thing."
The annual operation is part of a multi-agency campaign, including police and fire officers, to reduce the number of firework accidents.
"We are running the campaign because obviously it's the season now for fireworks and if we can prevent one accident happening then it's all been worthwhile."
And he reminded firework users to read and follow instructions carefully.
"Members of the public should remember that fireworks are explosive. The majority of display fireworks which can be sold require a 25 metre safety distance which is sometimes quite difficult to get in an ordinary domestic garden.   " Some of the display fireworks may not be suitable for smaller gardens. Safety distances are there for safety not because manufacturers want to spoil anybody's fun."
Copies of the firework code, and firework guides for retailers and display organisers are available from Trading Standards, Albert Road, Blackpool or by phoning 478395.

October 25 2002, This is Nottingham,  Boycott firework shops
If selling fireworks to the general public is a problem for many people, why don't those who feel strongly enough simply stop buying anything from such retail outlets for one year?
Should the Evening Post's readers do as I have suggested, maybe the anti-social behaviour problem could be resolved - simply by using the power of the purse.
There should not be any need for Government intervention.
We just need to use plain old common sense.
A. D. H. Bingham

October, 24 2002, BBC News, Police in fireworks attack
Police say fireworks are being sold illegally in Newcastle Police on Tyneside have warned traders about selling fireworks to children after a patrol car was attacked by youths with fireworks.
Undercover officers and volunteer youngsters are carrying out test purchases in Newcastle to find traders selling fireworks illegally.  Northumbria Police says it has seen an increase in juvenile disorder in the run-up to bonfire night on 5 November.
A 14-year-old youth was cautioned after fireworks were thrown at a patrol car in the west of the city as officers were responding to a call from residents.
Underage youngsters
A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "We will act against anyone found selling fireworks to youngsters.
"We want to make youngsters aware of organised events rather than setting fireworks off in the streets."
The force has joined forces with trading standards officials in an effort to find rogue shopkeepers selling fireworks to underage youngsters.
Concerned residents
The spokesman added: "The lead-up to Halloween and bonfire night can see an increase in juvenile disorder with research showing a link between this and the sale of fireworks.
"Already a 14-year-old youth in the Newcastle West area command has been cautioned after fireworks were thrown at a police car called to the area by concerned residents.
"Leaflets, including the firework code, will be printed in several languages and distributed throughout the city."
In 2001, more than 1,360 people were treated at UK hospitals during the autumn fireworks season - an increase of 40% on figures for 2000.

October 24 2002, Cambridge News, Tighten up on fireworks
AT MY recent ward surgery, a number of people pointed out that with the approach of November 5 the letting-off of fireworks on the streets is already causing some problems. For example, while most pet owners will very sensibly keep their animals indoors on Guy Fawkes' Night itself, they are reluctant and are unlikely to do so in the weeks and days leading up to it.  Fireworks can be fun - but they can also pose problems and dangers.  They obviously need to be lit with care for safety reasons, to avoid damage to property and accidents to people, but they also need to be used with consideration for neighbours.  Firework-related problems tend to be caused by thoughtless individuals.  Would there, I wonder, be public support for a proposal that sales of fireworks should be restricted to societies and groups organising safely and responsibly controlled firework displays?   
C. C.  Cambridge

October 24 2002, COSLA News Releases, COUNCILS DEMAND ACTION ON FIREWORKS
The introduction of a licensing scheme for fireworks; the strengthening of the current 'voluntary code'; calls for a change in the composition of fireworks and the restriction of single purchases of noisier fireworks, are just some of the key recommendations made by the COSLA Task Group on the misuse of fireworks.
Led by North Lanarkshire Council, the Task Group's report was presented by its Chair, North Lanarkshire Council's Councillor Tom Maginnis, to COSLA's Environment, Sustainability and Community Safety Group at its meeting held in Edinburgh this morning (Thursday).
The recommendations were adopted by the Environment Sustainability and Community Safety Group and following endorsement from council leaders tomorrow (Friday), they will be carried forward to Westminster and the Scottish Parliament on behalf of Scottish local authorities.
The group's remit was to identify the scale and extent of the problem, to consider the need for any change to the regulatory framework and to identify complementary means for addressing public concern.
Representatives from 19 Scottish local authorities; officers from national public agencies; the Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association (CACFOA); the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA); the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS); the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS); the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS), the Scottish Police Federation (SPF); the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS) and the Scottish Retail Consortium made up the Task Group.
Commenting today (Thursday) Councillor Tom Maginnis, Chair of the COSLA Task Group said: "Change is needed and that is what we are demanding. During 2001, local authorities throughout Scotland received unprecedented complaints in relation to fireworks, covering a range of issues from general anti-social behaviour to cruelty and abuse of animals. However, undoubtedly, the most common complaint was in relation to noise.
"In line with this, there appeared to be a general consensus in Scotland that action was required by the government at all levels, and by enforcement and regulatory agencies to address these issues, while recognising the enjoyment of fireworks by responsible users."
COSLA President Pat Watters added: "I welcome the work of this task group and the detailed report. As First Minister Jack McConnell pointed out at the weekend, the misuse of fireworks has become a serious community safety problem causing considerable stress, upset and annoyance to both the quality of peoples' lives and to family pets and livestock. The matter has in recent times got out of hand and urgent change and a tightening of legislation is now needed and that is what we are demanding. Police figures show that the 2001 fireworks season was something of a watershed with a significant increase in the use and abuse of fireworks with all force areas reporting a sharp increase in complaints. This statistical evidence is also backed up by Fire Brigade Service figures."
Other recommendations in the task group's report include,
· that local authorities should have procedures for the control of bonfire/firework display sites and for the removal of unauthorised bonfires
· that the composition of fireworks be altered to minimise the noise effects
· that the single purchase of noisier fireworks be restricted and these should only be available in boxed sets at a minimum cost of £20
· national need to improve record keeping for the importation of fireworks
· individual local authorities enter into discussions with the youth within their communities to discuss the consequences of irresponsible use in the community
· a uniform records system be adopted by the police and trading standards offices to improve the monitoring of fireworks related complaints/incidents and to assess the success of any new measures.
· co-operation be sought from the Crown Office and other relevant elements of the judiciary to reinforce the view that firework nuisance and abuse cannot be tolerated.

October 24 2002, Evening Chronicle, It's time to bury Guy Fawkes
I agree with the letter by I Mowbray about the control of fireworks.  Every year people complain, people receive injuries and many people are suffering annoyance and disturbances, not forgetting our dumb animals.
Surely, it cannot be too difficult for a quick Bill to be put through the Commons to stop the festival of Guy Fawkes.  It is ancient, outdated and obsolete, and it is used, or should I say abused, by yobs and encouraged by the manufacturers who want to create more profits.
D. R. Gateshead

October 24 2002, Express and Star, Anger over pet shop's sale of fireworks
An animal lover has called for tighter controls to limit the sale of fireworks after he was horrified to find that a Stourbridge pet store is selling bangers.  Rod Fuller, of Kingswinford, told the Express & Star he was outraged Prestwood Petzone was selling pets and fireworks saying bosses at the Stourton shop "must know better".
Director of the shop Richard Guest admitted it did seem an odd mix but was selling fireworks to boost business and was also encouraging people to use them sensibly and keep animals frightened by fireworks indoors.
But Mr Fuller, who complained to the paper after spotting a large banner outside the shop advertising the sale of fireworks, said: "Apart from the conflict of interest here, there are already too many outlets and lack of control for the sale of fireworks.  "Surely there is more than enough torment that cats and dogs have to suffer, not to mention our precious wildlife, caused by the greatly extended firework season and illicit use late at night."
Mr Guest said: "I suppose it is a bit of a strange combination, pets and fireworks, but we gave it consideration and decided we would sell them as you can buy fireworks almost anywhere.  "Because we are quiet at this time of year we have used some of the space where we kept cold water fish to display fireworks.  "I can see where this man is coming from but if people's pets don't like bangs they should keep cats and dogs indoors."
Mr Guest said the shop was registered by Dudley Council to sell fireworks and the council's trading standards department have checked the premises.

October 24 2002, Express and Star, Fireworks penalty warning from police
Yobs who throw fireworks in the street face fixed fines of £40 in a police clampdown in the run up to bonfire night.  Stourbridge police say elderly residents and animals are scared witless by the explosives and they are determined to crack down on those who use them as toys.  Officers will be handing out the fixed penalty fines to anyone seen throwing fireworks in public places.  The town's inspector Nigel Perkins said in the run up to bonfire night there is misery for many residents who have to put up with loud bangs almost every night.
More than 350 Stourbridge people have signed a petition calling on the government for tighter controls on fireworks.  It calls for an urgent review of legislation, in particular to require all public firework displays to be controlled by licensed pyro-technicians, to restrict the times of the year fireworks can be bought and to restrict the times of the day fireworks can be set off.
They also want to license all vendors of fireworks to meet strict safety criteria and give trading standards the power to revoke the license of anyone caught selling fireworks to underage children.

October 24 2002, icHuddersfield - MP backing our battle against the hooligans
Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman has given his full backing to the Examiner's Stop The Yobs campaign. And he has promised to raise the issue with Home Secretary David Blunkett to get ministerial support.
Mr Sheerman has also called on every respectable person in Huddersfield to do all they can to help police tackle the menace of anti-social behaviour. He said: "It is an admirable campaign and one which I shall be delighted to bring to the attention of the Home Secretary. "I would implore people in Huddersfield to report even the most minor incidents of vandalism, graffiti or nuisance, committed by young people or whoever. "I know people deplore such crimes, but I also know the police need to build up an accurate picture of where the trouble is taking place in order to divert their resources to deal with it. "People often look away and do not pick up the phone to report incidents of nuisance. But if they did take the trouble to do so - and do so on a regular basis - the police would have the information and evidence to target those responsible. "I want to see us with zero tolerance in Huddersfield. Report the troublemakers and help the police."
* POLICE and firefighters have today put out an urgent warning to youngsters who are throwing lit fireworks into homes and businesses. There has been a spate of incidents across Huddersfield in recent days where vandals have dropped lit fireworks through letterboxes.

October 24 2002, icLiverpool - Letters Your Views Noisy acts so selfish
IN a densely populated area of Aughton, the peace and calm was suddenly shattered last Wednesday evening by a bout of firework explosions. This was three weeks ahead of the dreaded Guy Fawkes night 'event'. Those responsible display a complete lack of consideration and respect for other residents in the neighbourhood. It would seem that they have more money than sense. The majority of persons in any community would surely wish to enjoy a reasonably quiet and private existence. Noise can produce many adverse effects.
Senior citizens, particularly those with heart problems, are particularly vulnerable in situations where there are loud noise levels - which can raise blood pressures and induce various unwanted stress levels.
There are some residents who rely on an uninterrupted rest period prior to commencing a night shift at their place of work. There are many babies and young children who are settling down to sleep at this time of day.
Loud noises, of course, causes alarm and distress to domestic and wild animals and birds. Debris from fireworks becomes scattered into neighbouring plots.  Isolated bouts of firework explosions at this time of year have extended over a period of up to a month before, during and after this event.  Some even continue into the New Year.
It is assumed that all firework suppliers and users have their premises or homes licensed and insured for the storage of explosive materials. In recent years, the volume of noise generated from fireworks has increased almost to that experienced in bombing raids during World War Two. It seems rather incredible that in this country some may wish to commemorate a 'traitor' 400 years after his existence!
CONCERNED Aughton (Full name and address supplied)

October 24 2002, icScotland - 25 killed in two fireworks factory fires
Two separate fires have erupted in firecracker factories in southern India, killing at least 25 people.
The blazes have broken out as Hindus prepared for Diwali, a religious festival next month that is celebrated with fireworks.
One fire erupted in a warehouse killing 13 people and critically injuring four, most of them sleeping in a small inn next door in a crowded section of Hyderabad.

October 24 2002, Leeds Today, Post boxes targeted in firework attacks, By Charles Heslett
THE Royal Mail today issued a warning to its customers after a spate of arson attacks on post boxes in Leeds.
Firefighters from Gipton station have tackled four blazes in post boxes in the space of two days - all caused by fireworks being shoved through the letter slots.
Sub Officer Guy McKelvey said the attacks have increased in the run up to Bonfire Night.
A Royal Mail spokesman urged the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police.
He said: "We would advise customers in the area to post their mail at the local Post Office branch or to use other nearby post boxes. "These vandals are causing criminal damage to our property, destroying mail and seriously inconveniencing all our customers.  "This wanton act of vandalism has resulted in boxes being taken out of commission, such is the damage caused. "This will have an impact on services for our customers and we would like to apologise to them for any inconvenience this may cause."

October 24 2002, Leeds Today, Trading in danger
SHOPS in West Yorkshire are selling fireworks to children as young as 11, a shocking survey has revealed.
Youngsters accompanied by Trading Standards officers attempted to buy fireworks during 115 visits to stores in the county. They tried to buy air bombs, rockets, roman candles and sparklers from shops in firework "hotspots".
These are the areas pinpointed by police and the fire service as suffering worst from problems of misuse and anti-social behaviour.  One shop in Wakefield sold a pack of sparklers to an 11-year-old, while in Leeds a 14-year-old was able to buy a selection of rockets. Five shops sold various boxes of fireworks to a 14-year-old girl in the Kirklees area, where astonished officers found a third of retailers were prepared to sell fireworks to children.
The shopkeepers who made the illegal sales could now face prosecution.
Martin Wood, West Yorkshire's chief Trading Standards officer, said: "Despite many advisory visits made by my officers and the regular flow of information we have given, the message does not seem to be getting through to some retailers. "One illegal sale is one too many. Our strict enforcement policy will remain in force and that means the test purchasing will continue."  He added: "Any shopkeeper who sells is likely to have to account for their actions before the local magistrates court."
The Yorkshire Evening Post is campaigning for tighter controls on fireworks to end the misery felt by thousands of people across the county. We are calling for new laws that limit sales to 10 days before November 5 and a proper licensing of displays.
Coun Graham Clarke, chairman of the Trading Standards committee, said: "We must do everything we can to stop this illegal trade in fireworks. "We must protect our youngsters from injury and help our elderly and vulnerable citizens, who are plagued by the constant nuisance and noise resulting from explosions going off at all hours of the day."
If you know or suspect a shop is selling fireworks to under 18s contact the consumer helpline on 0113 3848848.
Fire chiefs are warning firework display organisers to plan ahead and avoid serious injury or death on Bonfire Night. The West Yorkshire Fire Service said that crews attended over 700 bonfire-related incidents during October and November of last year. This year they hope to cut the number of call outs.

October 24 2002, Manchester Online, Horror of firework injuries revealed
A CAMPAIGN showing horrific injuries suffered by youngsters from fireworks has been launched in Greater Manchester.  The TV and poster drive - with the slogan Fool With Fireworks and Bang Goes Your Image - targets children and teenagers in Manchester, Salford and Oldham.   It was launched after a 50 per cent leap in the number of young people injured or disfigured by fireworks last year - the biggest rise for seven years.
The campaign follows the M.E.N's crusade to ban the public sale of fireworks, which is backed by readers and MP Jim Dobbin, who said: "Nothing less than a total retail ban on the sale of fireworks to individuals should be imposed."
In Oldham, youngsters from Saddleworth School joined police and trading standards officers to put up posters showing a disfigured child at a bus stop in Grasscroft.
New measures have been brought in by the government to combat the menace of fireworks and there is growing support for a total ban on public sales. The sale of air bombs has been banned, there has been a crackdown on illegal markets in fireworks and councils have been encouraged to use their powers and get tough to help beat the problem.
Budding chef John Morrison had a major career setback after playing with banned fireworks, when his right hand was ripped to pieces. The blast took off the tips of three fingers and the 17-year-old had an eight-hour operation before he regained 70 per cent feeling and use of his hand. He has since become a qualified chef and had this warning for youngsters: "Don't bother buying fireworks - go to an organised display. "Even if you are not messing around, it can still happen and it's not worth it."

October 24 2002, Manchester News, , Death of Megan
After reading that disgraceful story about poor Megan, I too believe that fireworks should be banned form public sale. I was born and bred in Manchester and have seen the devastation they can cause. I now live in Northern Ireland and these youngsters are using them as weapons against the emergency services, armed security services and each other. Would we give our children a gun and let them go outside and play? No we would not. Therefore, why can't these parents take control of their children who are playing with fireworks? They are nothing more than a bomb in a tube and over the years they have got bigger and more powerful. These people will not realise the devastation until one of their own children die as a result. We need fireworks banned now!
A, Northern Ireland

Manchester online , 24 October 2002, Stay Safe Campaign
Fireworks should be banned for good apart from people with licenses or public displays. They should also only be available on November 5 and new year. This way it might teach people and kids not to misuse them. I am 19 and I do like them, but when you have been hearing them since February, you can easily get fed up of them. It's about time something gets done.
S. Manchester

Manchester online , 24 October 2002, Stay Safe Campaign
Nearly everything you buy has advice, a warning or instructions on how to you use it. If you choose not to follow that advice then you could get hurt. Enough said!
G, Denton Tameside

October 24 2002, The Highland News, Plea to ease fireworks plight of pets
THE Scottish SPCA has appealed to people to remember to protect domestic pets and farm animals from the terror caused by fireworks.  As soon as shops around Scotland start selling fireworks - now at least six weeks or earlier before Guy Fawkes' Night - SSPCA Inspectors start getting calls regarding animals in distress.
Over the last 12 months the SSPCA has been campaigning for a change in the fireworks legislation, following a record number of incidents last year. The campaign has received cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament and at Westminster, as well as the support of the Conventional of Scottish Local Authorities and thousands of members of the Scottish public.
SSPCA Deputy Chief Superintendent John Briggs said: "Every year the society is inundated with telephone calls from worried and distressed pet owners whose pets are suffering serious trauma.  "The society also sees an increase in the number of stray dogs coming into its animal welfare centres - dogs which have obviously bolted in fear, at the sound of fireworks.  "Since the millennium we have seen an increase in the number of firework cases at New Year -extending the period of misery for Scotland's animals."
To get a realistic picture of the scale of the problem, the society carried out a survey of Scottish vets which revealed that at least 8,000 animals in Scotland received veterinary treatment as a direct result of fireworks in 2001.  Another SSPCA survey, of Scotland's community councils, exposed the reality that the firework problem is not exclusive to urban or city centre areas.
SSPCA researcher Maggie Page commented: "We received complaints from all over the country, from cows being attacked with bangers in Shetland to an elderly woman having a lit firework tied to her door in Stranraer. The firework problem affects the vulnerable and defenceless and is impossible to escape."
To try and help reduce the number of casualties for this year the SSPCA has issued the following advice to pet owners and those who are planning their own displays.
All pets should he kept indoors after dark. Curtains should be closed and the radio or television left on to mask the sound of exploding fireworks. Rabbits and other animals in outdoor hutches should be moved into a garage, outbuilding or porch.
In the event of finding an injured animal contact the Scottish SPCA immediately on 0870 73 77722. Those in North should phone 01463-231191.
Those planning a fireworks display should warn your neighbours, especially if they have pets, horses or livestock. Make sure neighbours know the date and times of any display and try to hold it as close as possible to November 5.
Keep noisy fireworks to a minimum. Much enjoyment can be gained from quiet visual displays without the danger of harming an animal.
Bonfires must he checked for signs of hibernating hedgehogs.
Only set off fireworks on or very close to Guy Fawkes' Night - November 5

October 24 2002, This is Bradford, Letters to the Editor
SIR - Once again the mindless yobs are on the loose causing mayhem with fireworks. What happened to the bye-law regarding the sale/letting off of these lethal objects? Something was going to be done about what has become a serious matter.
The T&A of October 14 carried a story of a firework put through a letter box, something that has also happened in my locality, at least to two houses. Is it going to take a fatality to get something done?
The majority of firework-throwing is by young ones. Where are they buying the fireworks?
Come on Bradford Council, why the delay in producing the bye-law? I believe everyone is heartily sick of the constant bangs, something we get 12 months a year.
Mrs J. B. Bradford

October 24 2002, This is Bradford, Letters to the Editor
SIR, - Your correspondent, Jane Butterworth's assertion that in rural communities fireworks are let off to celebrate almost any event is somewhat preposterous. (Gazette, October 17).)
I was born in Slingsby, Ryedale, in 1933, and my wife was born in Timble, Washburndale in 1934. We have lived in semi rural communities in Airedale, Calderdale and Ribblesdale and for the past 40 or so years in Wharfedale.
We have never come across this habit of letting off fireworks willy- nilly until recently. It has begun to happen in the Ilkley area over the past few years, and predominantly in what may be described as the more affluent areas of Middleton, Grove Road and Panorama.
Our experience has been that families have had to save up to buy a few fireworks for bonfire night or have made the effort to take their children to organised displays. When our children were growing up, and we lived in a place in Ilkley, with space, we actually held very successful firework parties for friends and relatives on Bonfire night.
I find the indiscriminate setting off of the aerial bombs and similar explosive devices late at night extremely annoying and disturbing. I lived through the 1939-45 war and spent many hours in our air raid shelter. We lived close to a Royal Ordnance Factory that Hitler did not approve of.
I later served in the Royal Navy as a gunlayer, spending weeks at a time with the sound of gunfire in my ears, during the Korean War. The people who carry out these activities, are selfish and totally inconsiderate of the needs of their neighbours.
Having seen the price tags on some of the `fireworks' on offer I would venture that they also have more money than sense. As I write the `Lions' are having their annual charity fireworks display. At least it is early evening. I would be more likely to support that if it were on Bonfire night.
It has been going a long time and is for a good cause, but has set a poor precedent. Now, in addition to some of the other epithets which have been directed at me, perhaps `killjoy' will be added.
V. M. B. Ilkley.

SIR, - I resisted the temptation to write to you about the proposed firework ban, but after reading Jane Butterworth's letter (Gazette, Oct 17) I felt I had to respond on behalf of all the aloof, pretentious killjoys of Ilkley! I have three points for Ms Butterworth's consideration.
1. Fireworks have become increasingly noisy over recent years. Those called Air Bombs are so called because that is exactly what they sound like. My mother lived and worked in London during the Blitz and still finds loud bangs upsetting.
She doesn't need to re-live that part of her life. People of her generation sacrificed their youth so that we can enjoy our privileged lifestyle today and they deserve some peace in their later years, as well as our respect.
2 Pet owners are rightly advised to keep their pets indoors on bonfire night but how on earth are we supposed to do this when fireworks are potentially set off 365 days a year? The Guy Fawkes celebration is already an extended period of time with `official' bonfires taking place as early as mid-October. Every year, much loved pets go missing or are involved in road accidents after being panicked by fireworks.
3. `All year round' fireworks is another step towards nothing being `special' any more - hot cross buns and Easter eggs in January, Christmas cards in the shops in August, fireworks every month of the year.
Let's keep November 5 as something special. You can boycott noisy fireworks and still enjoy a lovely display. We had a bonfire party when we first moved here and I discovered what thoughtful neighbours we had when they contributed non-banging fireworks because they knew we had animals.
Amazingly, it is possible to enjoy yourself without distressing others.
H. P. Ilkley.

October 24 2002, This is Lancashire, Firework warning for shopkeepers
POLICE have issued a force-wide warning to shopkeepers with fireworks to increase security after at least three supermarkets were burgled over the weekend.  J Sainsbury's in Parsonage Way in Leigh lost around £5,000 worth when another container was broken into between 6pm on Sunday and 2pm Monday.

October 24 2002, This is Mid Sussex, Raiders' firework haul
More than £9,000 worth of fireworks were stolen in a raid on a garden centre at Handcross.
Thieves drove a white Ford Transit-style van into the car park of Wyevale Garden Centre on the A23 on Monday.
They used bolt cutters to open a locked metal storage container and loaded the fireworks into the van.
Investigating officer PC Vicki Blythe, said: "This appears to have been a professional job and we are certain the fireworks will surface for resale.
"We would like to hear from any individual or organisation that might be offered fireworks at low prices."

October 24 2002, This is Oxfordshire, Firework laws 'too relaxed'
Oxfordshire Trading Standards officers are calling for tougher laws to restrict the sale of fireworks.
Nigel Strick, head of Oxfordshire Trading Standards, said: "We have grave concerns that fireworks that can be legitimately sold are getting bigger.  "Many carry a warning that no-one should stand within 25m of them, but there can't be many gardens with that sort of clearance."
The council's executive will be asked on November 12, to raise the department's concerns with the Government.
Last year there was a 40 per cent increase across the country in accidents involving fireworks.  Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's deputy chief officer John Hurren said the sale of cheap imports, particularly from China, that did not match UK safety specifications was more worrying than the sale of larger devices.

October 24 2002, This is Wiltshire, A stressful time for pets
AS Firework Night approaches, I am writing to let you know about the work that The Blue Cross are doing for the thousands of pets that suffer the stress caused by fireworks throughout the year, but especially on November 5.
The main problems affecting pets are those linked to stress caused by noise. Animal behaviourists, including the Blue Cross network of trained advisors, find that a significant percentage of the animals they treat have suffered long-lasting behavioural problems due to exposure to fireworks.
The Blue Cross understands that fireworks are enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, so is calling on the government to ensure that the current provision of the advice about pets and fireworks is increased. At present the Firework Code only advised pet owners to "Keep your pets indoors". This does not cover the huge range of problems and questions The Blue Cross receives from concerned pet owners every year.
In an effort to fill this gap The Blue Cross has produced a free comprehensive leaflet giving all sorts of helpful advice on how to make fireworks less stressful for pets.
They will be available across the country at firework retailers, Blue Cross hospitals and adoption centres or from the charity's website at www.bluecross.org.uk.
Joe Inglis BBC's Vets in Practice