October 15 2002, Evening Post, I LOST A LIMB TO A FIREWORK
Notts is one of 12 areas in the country to be targeted by the Government's new fireworks safety campaign launched yesterday. SIMON McGEE and RAWLE TITUS spoke to one man who suffered terrible injuries as a 14-year-old and who is now begging today's teenagers not to misuse fireworks  It was the day that a prank went badly wrong and changed Jordan Hutchinson's forever.  "I had never touched any fireworks in my life before that day," says Jordan, now 30 and living in Lenton.  "I was walking home from school when I saw three lads I knew.
"I was strolling along when all of a sudden one of them threw a firework at me and I reached up to block it.  "But as I did, I instinctively closed my grip and caught it. And that was that.  "I felt nothing. Not for about ten minutes.  "There was no pain at all, until the paramedics arrived and gave me some oxygen.  "Then all hell broke loose. I couldn't stop screaming."
The blast from the firework had ripped apart his right hand, taking off his fingers and thumb, rupturing the main artery in his hand, damaging the forearm and permanently destroying his right ear drum, leaving him deaf on that side.  He was also blinded for two days.
On the way to hospital in Oxford, where he lived as a teenager, paramedics had to pull over and resuscitate him because his heart stopped and he stopped breathing    "I knew there'd been a fair amount of damage to my arm from what I could feel," he said.  "But I didn't know how bad it would be."
It was later discovered that the firework, though small, was powerful and intended for public displays. It was freely available in the shops.  On arrival at hospital, doctors also discovered three breaks and three fractures in his forearm.  Doctors decided to graft his hand to his hip to keep the tissue alive and clean while doctors decided what to do.
"They cut a pocket in my hip, put my hand in it and stitched it all up.  "They left it in there for 18 weeks."
Seven months later, in May 1987, surgeons decided to try to rebuild his hand.  They amputated one of his toes to provide him with a thumb, took skin from his legs and bone from his hip to restore a semblance of functioning.
He tried to get back to a normal way of life.  But it was tough going.
"I went back to school and tried to concentrate. But it was difficult, especially as I was bullied a lot because of my arm.  "I was also off my face on morphine most of the time." 
After a few months he dropped out of school and was tutored at home. It took him two years to learn to write with his left hand.
But he managed to carry on with his main hobby, the Army Cadet Force, of which he had been a member since he was 13. "All I ever wanted to do was join the army.  "I wanted to be in the paras from a very early age. In part, because the army runs in the family.  "My great-grandfather, my grandfather, and two uncles were in the army.  "When I finished the cadet force at the age of 18 I went to Whittington Barracks in Staffordshire for a medical.  "But I failed, because I didn't have any proper grip on my right hand.  "I wasn't disappointed because I was half expecting it.  "But it was awful to know that my hand was the only thing that let me down.  "I had to give up my dream."  Long bouts of depression affected Jordan, particularly when he struggled to get work.  One day he even destroyed all the family's pictures of him before he lost the hand.  "They were a terrible reminder to me," he said.
"My mum went ballistic but I had to destroy them because I couldn't bear to see myself with both arms."  At first he found it hard to get a job, but succeeded later in holding down jobs for almost a year.   "I got stuck into office work, doing admin work, databases, answering telephones, stuff like that.  " I quite liked it, so when I was 19 I came up to Portland Training College near Mansfield to start again with a new course.  "I got my business administration NVQ level one and got on a computer-aided design course." 
But his studies have failed to translate into work and he is currently unemployed.
"I've never worked permanently," he said.  "It's partly because a lot of employers don't like taking chances on someone like me, especially as I was going into hospital like a yo-yo."
Jordan has endured hundreds of operations since the accident 16 years ago as doctors tried in vain to rebuild his hand.  At 25, after struggling through years of painful operations, he realised that morphine addiction had become a huge problem.  Scars on his hand and forearm had also failed to fully heal, another constant source of pain.
So in June 1997 he decided to have the forearm amputated, which he hoped would stop the pain and the need to take morphine. He has not had any further medical procedures on his arm.  "I had to do something," he said.
"After 12 years, the bones weren't knitting together and I ended up addicted to morphine." 
Eight weeks after the amputation he gave up the morphine.  Jordan is still trying to rebuild his life.
He has two children with a former partner, Emily, three, and Brandon, four.  "When I was younger my mum said I had two choices: I could either curl up in a corner and die or get on with life.  "I've never shed a tear about what's happened.  "Yeah I've lost my career, but life goes on.  "There are times when I've felt like crying but at the end of the day I sit down and look at the two photos of my kids to keep me going.  "I'm now hoping to start work in the new year.  "I'm trying to sort myself out with a computer job or at a call centre."  He says living with such a disability can sometimes be hard.  "I can get a lot of grief when I'm going out in the evenings, but it doesn't bother me at all now."  "My two children have never seen me any other way. They've just grown up with it.  "My girlfriend doesn't treat me any different, which I wouldn't want anyway."  He says he is happier today than he has been at any time since the accident. 
His one regret is the loss of an army career.
"I'm sometimes very bitter," he said.  ""I sometimes think I should have just moved out of the way of the firework or pushed it away.  "At the end of the day I can't change what's happened... but I can tell people about the dangers of fireworks."  That is why he is supporting the Evening Post "Be Safe Not Sorry" campaign.
The drive for tougher regulations covering the sale of fireworks was launched last December after a deluge of letters from readers saying they were fed up with the noise, nuisance and distress they caused.  It calls for a ban on the sale of fireworks to the public and they only be available to those organising a licensed event.  The campaign has won the backing of several Notts MPs, including Broxtowe's Nick Palmer, who vowed to bring it to Parliament.  The Government has also revealed it will look to review legislation and Prime Minister Tony Blair has been handed a dossier of the campaign.  Jordan says that what happened to him should serve as a reminder to everyone of the terrible injuries a firework can cause. 
"I wouldn't want my children or anyone's children go through what I went through.  "And if people are still going to be stupid enough to go ahead and buy them all I can say is follow the safety code. But perhaps most importantly, I'd say to shopkeepers don't sell them to underage kids.  "These fireworks are dangerous. People shouldn't ever underestimate them."
Don't fool around
Nottingham is one of 12 areas being targeted by the Department for Trade and Industry in a £500,000 national poster and TV campaign highlighting the dangers of misusing fireworks.
The campaign's slogan "fool with fireworks and bang goes your image" aims to raise awareness of the appalling injuries teenagers can suffer.
The 12 areas are where the problem of firework misuse and injury is most acute.
The other 11 are Liverpool, Bradford, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Wolverhampton, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Newcastle, Strathclyde and Newport.
In Notts, a total of 41 injuries received emergency treatment during the four-week Bonfire Night 'season' in 2001, one of the highest in the country. This was up from 25 for the same period in 2000.
Across the country, the number of injuries among teenagers rose by more than 50% last year, the biggest increase for seven years.
New measures to cut down on firework injuries, nuisance and noise include:
Enforcing the voluntary ban of 'air bombs' by the fireworks industry
Cracking down on illegal markets in fireworks with improved co-ordination between Customs and Excise, the Health and Safety Executive and trading standards departments.
A new drive to encourage local councils to use their powers to curb the problem of noise and nuisance
A Home Office pilot scheme of £40 fixed penalty notices in four areas for over-18s caught throwing fireworks in the street. The pilot areas are the West Midlands, Essex, North Wales and Croydon.

October 15 2002, icCoventry - Crackdown on firework menace
People caught throwing fireworks on the streets of Coventry face on-the-spot £40 fines, the government has announced.  Coventry and other parts of the West Midlands will be trial areas for the new crackdown. The fines will be handed out to over-18s caught behaving irresponsibly with fireworks.
Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson said: "Teenagers thinking of messing around with fireworks this year should think again."
Meanwhile fireworks worth thousands of pounds have been stolen from a Coventry store which has been hit by thieves twice in less than a week.  In the latest raid, a gang forced shutters at the back of Hancock's Cash and Carry in Gielgud Way, Walsgrave Triangle, between 10pm and 11pm on Sunday.  It is feared the fireworks will end up being sold on the black market, possibly to children, at a time when Coventry is doing its best to crackdown on firework nuisances.
PC Paula Hooker, from Stoney Stanton Road police, said about £5,500 worth of boxed fireworks had been taken. Made by Bright Star and Millennium, they range in price from just £1 to £100 for a box.  Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious on the night of the break-in.  They also want to hear from anyone who is offered cheap fireworks in the run-up to Bonfire Night.  The cash and carry serves retailers in the city who are licensed to sell fireworks to the public.
Coventry City Council is lobbying for its own bylaws to stop fireworks being let off late at night following a string of complaints from the public.

October 15 2002, icNewcastle, Fireworks ban backed By The Evening Chronicle
Moves by the British Firework Association to prohibit the sale of air-bomb and small, noisy fireworks have won the backing of the Blue Cross, one of the UK's biggest animal welfare charities. The announcement follows a series of meetings between the fireworks industry and the charity, which is concerned about the effect of noisy fireworks on pets.

October 15 2002, icTeesside,  Minister acts over fireworks
The consumer minister Melanie Johnson has launched a crackdown on dangerous fireworks, including a ban on air bombs - a cheap and accessible 'pocket money' firework that caused up to a fifth of all firework accidents last year. Ms Johnson said: "Teenagers thinking of messing around with fireworks this year should think again. They are likely to spend Bonfire Night in casualty departments or worse."
The new measures will target irresponsible firework users with on-the-spot fines.  The Home Office are piloting fixed penalty notices of £40 in four areas for over-18s caught throwing fireworks in the street.

October 15 2002, Manchester News, Death of Megan
Thugs are all over the UK and easy access to fireworks gives them yet another method of disruption and destruction. The type of fireworks now being sold are far too powerful. The politicians and legislators have failed us yet again. Write to your councillors and MPs and let them know what you think of their allowing these dangerous weapons to be available to yobs.
L J H, UK

October 15 2002, Manchester News, Death of Megan
I find it hard to believe that anybody could do that, but you only have to watch the news every night to know that some people are capable of anything. Anybody who could do such a thing like that has to be a bit tapped and treated as such, not just given a slap on the wrist for being under a certain age and sent on their way so they can boast about what they have done. I have a dog and if anybody did that to my dog I don't know what I would do, my heart goes out to family who owned the dog. It makes you wonder though about who sells fireworks to kids, what sort of shop sells fireworks to kids, probably the same sort of shopkeeper that sells cigs and booze to kids. If such a shopkeeper is selling things like that to kids shouldn't that shopkeeper lose his/hers shop and go to prison for living off immoral earnings just like a drug dealer does? Instead of getting a warning and a fine off trading standards.
M. Fallowfield

October 15 2002, Manchester News, Death of Megan
I feel that they should be banned, only used at organised events, they are a real waste of cash and a nuisance to animal owners all over this country. If I decide to have my hi-fi blaring out the window at any given occasion, the police would soon come knocking, but you can set those damn things off any time of the day or night...grow up, go to an out door professional event...try and get a life.
S. B, Dorset

October 15 2002, Manchester News, 2002, Death of Megan
Fireworks today are too big, far too dangerous and too noisy to be on sale to the general public and should definitely restricted to properly supervised and licensed displays. Where do these irresponsible youngsters get the money to pay for them? And it is not only around November 5th but all the year round at birthday parties or other celebrations, waking young children, frightening dogs and other animals, causing needless disturbance. It is illegal to sound a car horn after 11 p.m. but there is no restriction on "bangers" and rockets.
Z, South Manchester

October 15 2002, Manchester Online, Fireman backs fireworks ban call
A FIREMAN whose hearing was damaged when a firework was thrown at him is backing the M.E.N. campaign to ban over-the-counter sales of fireworks.  Ian Worth, 39, suffered a headache for two days and painful ringing in his ears after a firework exploded just two feet away from him. He had just put out a blaze in a lorry in Kearsley when a firework was thrown from a passing car.
Last year, one child was killed and 1,362 people were injured by fireworks and on Saturday the M.E.N. launched a campaign to ban over-the-counter sales of fireworks and encourage people to attend safe, organised events, instead. Ian, who has 15 years' service, said: "There was this almighty explosion and I felt the shockwave. It wasn't just a banger. My hearing was damaged and I couldn't even stand the clanging of cups. I had a tremendous headache and my eyes ached as well. I was off sick for two days and had to wear earplugs because I couldn't stand any high frequency noise. "I was there doing a public service and this is how grateful people are. It's idiotic. How long will it be before they throw a firework at a woman with a pram? I think there should be a complete ban on the public sale of fireworks and there should only be organised events."
Things took a sinister turn on Sunday night when fireworks were thrown at three crews in Daubhill, Bolton. It appears youths were deliberately setting fire to skips and wheelie bins, then calling the fire brigade. When the engines arrived, youths pelted them with fireworks.
Sgt Ian Coop, of Bolton police, said: "People need to understand that fireworks are not toys but that they are explosives which can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated."

October 2002, Animal Advice Centre, Fireworks and Noise Phobias, written by Georgie Hearne,
In the weeks leading up to the November 5th celebrations many people are understandably worried about their pets reaction to fireworks. If your pet has previously shown fear to these noises, once the season for fireworks is over you should speak to our behaviourist about starting a desensitisation programme to ensure your pet does not start to become fearful of other related sounds (such as a car backfiring etc). 

REMEMBER:   
BEFORE THE EVENING STARTS:
Feed your pet a meal rich in carbohydrate with added vitamin B6 mid to late afternoon so his stomach is full over the evening. (Obviously if the pet is prone to diarrhoea when frightened stick with his usual meal). If you need further advice on suitable diets, please contact one of our nurses.
Have a darkened room ready at sundown, this makes sure that he does not develop fear of anything else, such as the flashing lights that accompany the noise. Provide some toys for your pet and something to occupy yourself (whilst you keep her/him company).
Be sure that the environment is safe and secure at all times and that the pet cannot escape and bolt with fear.
Put some music on, preferably something with a loud drumbeat if the pet can tolerate it. It will act as a distraction from the noise outside.
If one of our vets has recommended sedative drugs for the evening, make sure they are given well before the start of the fireworks to make sure the pet doesn't start to panic.
If we have suggested that the use of earplugs may be helpful for your dog, use them. Generally the earplugs can be made by taking a piece of cotton wool and dampening it. Roll it into a long thin cylinder and twist into the dog's ear to pack the canal.

DO NOT DO THIS unless you have been shown the correct method by one of our vets or vet nurses who will be more than happy to help. 

DURING THE FIREWORKS
Don't punish your pet when they are scared  it makes him/her more anxious and confirms that there is something to be frightened of.
Don't reassure your pet (this is the hardest one!)  it rewards the behaviour and increases the chance of it becoming far worse next time he feels fear.
Don't pay any attention to fear that seems to occur without reason. Wait for your pet to recover and then give him/her all the attention and praise you want to. 

AFTERWARDS
Ignore any fearful behaviour that occurs for no reason. Speak to one of our vets and the behaviourist (Georgie Hearne Ph: 0208 450 2228 or Email us: georgie.hearne@amcvet.co.uk about methods for treating and reducing the fear or phobia that your dog or cat has developed so you are ready for next year. You can also get help with training your dogs phobias at DogBasics. Contact us by phone: 020 7387 7894 or email us on noise@dogbasics.co.uk

October 15 2002, Parkvets, Fireworks - Pets Hate Them! by Dave Nicol  An Overview
Boom! The first air-bomb of the year explodes outside and it's only mid-September. An early reminder of what's in store for pets and their owners from now until December, each year in the UK.
For thousands of pets the next three months are hell. The nightly barrage of whizzes, bangs from increasingly powerful fireworks turns these pets into anxious wrecks.
Pets are not alone. Many elderly people are also left intimidated and traumatised by irresponsible use of fireworks. Add in the hundreds of many young people under 16 that will finish Fireworks Night with burns and one is left amazed that the fireworks problem is allowed to continue year on year.
A complete ban on the public sale and private use of these explosive devices would eliminate the problem overnight. There is public support for a ban on private fireworks a recent poll of citizens in Dundee showed over 80% support for such a ban). The question remains, why hasn't the government taken action to stop the annual mayhem that each Guy Fawkes Night heralds?

The Current Situation
The law as it stands allows any person over the age of eighteen, regardless of training or experience, to purchase fireworks category 3. The Department of Trade and Industry license a 4-week sales period beginning in October, during which the fireworks can be sold.
In practice this means that anyone who walks in to a shop and looks eighteen can purchase an astonishing array of dangerous incendiary devices and small missiles.
Inevitably these fireworks seem to pass into the hands of a relatively small number of irresponsible adolescents who then cause the bedlam that we witness each year on the streets of our towns and cities.
The firework industry claims to observe a voluntary code of practice for the sale of fireworks but it appears that this is widely ignored. The Industry is also supposed to have ceased production and distribution of certain more powerful category 4 types of fireworks to the public. Loopholes in the legislation mean that this is largely circumvented. Indeed the advertising of the firework companies specifically emphasises the explosive capacity of some of their more powerful creations '[It] can be heard within a five mile radius [of its detonation]' Few of us would doubt this from personal experience over the last few years
So the industry pays little more than lip service to the notion of self-regulation, the trading standards agency appear unable to control the vendors of fireworks and the police having too few resources to enforce the law. One is left to ponder the solution that would solve everyone's problem. It seems very simple ban the public sale and private use of fireworks.

Fireworks and Our Pets
Fireworks can cause a number of problems in our pets. These range from mild stress, unintentional accidents through to the results of malicious abuse.

Stress and Anxiety
Some pets will seem only mildly stressed, shaking, vocalising or pacing around the house. Others become significantly more upset, cowering under furniture, soiling in the house or becoming destructive. In the worst cases severe anxious pets have been known to bite owners who are trying to calm them.

Involvement in Road Traffic Accidents
Several pets each year are reported to suffer serious injury on our roads as a result of being startled or scared by fireworks. In one case a Border Collie (who recently had pups) was killed when she bolted from home after being startled by fireworks.

Malicious Injury
Although the numbers of animals each year that are reported to suffer malicious injury is low the fact that any are harmed in this fashion is unacceptable. The Scottish Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) this year (2002) published a report documenting several malicious attacks. In one, a firework was thrown through the open window of a parked car in Kilmarnock. The car had two dogs inside at the time.

Euthanasia
Pets are 'put to sleep' as a result of firework related injuries, fear biting an owner or because they suffer a flare up of a stress related disease that seriously affects their quality of life.

80,000 Pets Affected
Other figures published in the recent SSPCA report suggests that over 80,000 of our pets are affected across the UK. Incredibly this figure only represents those pets that were treated at veterinary surgeries and takes no account either of livestock, horses or wildlife.

Solutions for Pets
Limited options are available to help pets.
Vets are often asked to prescribe sedative medication for Fireworks Night. Most vets will only prescribe such medication for a few days at a time, as there is always concerns about using these powerful medications to sedate pets over an extended time period. The fact that the fireworks have got louder and the problem can often extend over three months merely complicates the whole issue further.
Desensitisation of pets to the explosions has been tried using a combination of behaviour therapy and conditioning tapes. Those that opt for this treatment report limited success. Mostly due to the duration of the problem.

Our Opinion
The firework problem is multifaceted in origin and it is extremely difficult to point the finger of blame at any one person or group.
Who is really at fault?
A.   The shop keepers for selling the fireworks?
B.   The trading standards agency for not regulating effectively?
C.   The kids for not knowing better?
D.   Parents for not controlling their kids more effectively?
E.    The police for being unable to control an ever escalating danger?

If the problem is complex, then the solution is delightfully simply. If there are no fireworks available then there is no problem. An immediate ban on the retail of all fireworks to the general public would achieve this instantly.
Firework enthusiasts argue that such a ban would fail because fireworks sale would be driven under ground. Illegal fireworks that do not comply with UK safety regulations would then replace the current legal, 'safe' fireworks. Merely worsening the problem.
The evidence from Northern Ireland, does not support this view as a complete ban was imposed for years during the 'troubles'. In fact a lifting of the ban on the sale of private fireworks saw the firework related problems return to the region, including their use against the police. A ground swell of public opinion resulted in new regulations being implemented so that from 6th May 2002 possession of fireworks by an unlicensed individual in Northern Ireland is illegal.

Give People a Choice
Most people (including pet owners) would agree that fireworks help enhance national celebrations such as Guy Fawkes night and New Year with well publicised, licensed fireworks displays.
Such displays provide a better spectacle and importantly a choice.

A.  Those who wish to see the display can attend. Knowing that their safety is of the utmost importance to the event organisers.

B.  Those that do not at least know that a display will occur in a certain place at a certain time. Allowing them to take appropriate action to prevent injury or stress to their pet.

Summary
British society has changed. The family back yard bonfire of Guy Fawkes Night has been subverted by the commercial pressures of the modern world. People want fireworks that are louder and more powerful, the average garden display is often more like a re-enactment of the Battle of the Somme. Plus irresponsible use of fireworks continues despite high profile safety campaigns.
The resulting stress and danger to the more vulnerable members of our society be it the elderly, children or pets has become unacceptable. Surely it is now time to end this problem by banning private fireworks.
If you are going to a fireworks display we wish you a safe, enjoyable night and remember to lock up those pets.

October 15 2002, Preston Today, Gang's firework attack on man
A man narrowly escaped serious injury after thugs shoved a lit firework into his pocket.
The 27-year-old had nipped to his local corner shop in Walden Street on the Callon Estate, Preston, for a jar of coffee at 12.30pm on October 13. As he left, he was surrounded by a gang of youths and one member slipped the firework into his jacket pocket.  Luckily, the man realised what had happened and managed to get his coat off before the firework exploded.
Det Insp Tony Bolton from Preston CID said: "Quite clearly, an incident of this nature has got serious potential to have a far worse outcome than it did on this occasion.  "Not only is an act like this foolish, but also it is criminal, and people need to consider the possible outcomes if they are thinking of getting involved with something like this. "The situation could have been very different."  The incident was a chilling reminder of how fireworks have the potential to cause serious injury.
Figures collected for Preston last year during the three weeks when fireworks are traditionally on sale, showed nine people needed hospital treatment.  Six of those incidents were a direct result of hooligan attacks on innocent members of the public.
The NHS Trust which covers the Ribble Valley dealt with 13 incidents, Chorley and South Ribble had two incidents, while nearby Southport and Formby had two reported injuries and West Lancashire had three.
Lancaster had the best safety record and nobody needed hospital treatment for firework injuries in 2001.
This year, moves are being made to reduce the number of injuries.  In Preston, firefighters have been visiting schools to warn children about bonfire night dangers.
Bryn Bimpson from Lancashire Fire Service's Community Fire Safety Task Force, said: "Fireworks are explosives. Get wise or get hurt. Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114, don't drink alcohol if setting them off and keep fireworks in a closed box, following the instructions on each one.  "Never go near a firework that has been lit even if it hasn't gone off - it could still explode, and under no circumstances should you put fireworks in your pocket or throw them."  He added: "It's an offence to cause a disturbance with fireworks and the police can prosecute."
Visit www.fireworksafety.co.uk for bonfire night safety information.

October 15 2002, This is Bradford, Campaign to target firework injury toll
Bradford was named as one of Britain's worst firework accident hotspots in a Government campaign unveiled today to reduce the injury toll.  Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust had the highest number of recorded accidents caused by fireworks last year in the Northern and Yorkshire region. Only Liverpool hospitals dealt with more firework injuries. Last year 26 people injured by fireworks were treated at Bradford Royal Infirmary, of which 18 were children. Hooligans were responsible for 16 of these injuries.
In one incident in October last year a 35-year-old woman was nearly blinded when a thug posted a firework through her letterbox.  Angela Hussey, of Buttershaw, was hit between the eyes by the letterbox's internal metal flap which flew off when the firework exploded. She was left with two black eyes and needed three stitches.
At Airedale NHS Trust five people were treated in the hospital's A&E department for firework injuries. Four of these were children and one was caused by a hooligan.
There were 219 injuries in the Yorkshire region with the number of accidents involving young teenagers rising by more than 50 per cent, the biggest increase in seven years. 
Now it is hoped hard-hitting new measures announced by Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson will help reduce these numbers.  Measures include a ban on air bombs, fixed penalty notices of up to £40 for over 18s caught throwing fireworks in the street, a crackdown on illegal markets in fireworks, with improved co-ordination of intelligence between Customs and Excise, Health and Safety Executive and Trading Standards.
Councils will also be encouraged to use their powers to curb the problem of noise and nuisance caused by fireworks.  Bradford, along with Leeds and Sheffield, will be bombarded with posters and adverts on TV bearing the slogan `fool with fireworks and bang goes your image', which is designed to highlight the injuries teenagers have suffered from fireworks misuse.
The campaign is being backed by Bradford A&E consultant, Tony Shenton, who said: "There were two serious injuries last year. The majority were minor, but all firework injuries have the potential to be very serious.
"Teenagers are the most at risk group as they are tempted to go out and buy fireworks and set them off.  "We think that fireworks should only be set off in organised public displays, but if you are going to set fireworks off at home, it should be done by an adult who is not under the influence of alcohol. You need to be very careful and follow the instructions on the box and never return to a lit firework.''

October 15 2002, This is Bradford, Fireworks clamp is welcome
The new measures announced by Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson in a bid to curb the dreadful toll of fireworks accidents should be particularly welcome in Bradford. This district can take no pride in its latest claim to fame, being named as one of the country's worst firework accident blackspots.
In fact "accident" is hardly the correct word to describe the bulk of the incidents which last year resulted in 26 people being treated at the BRI. Hooligans were responsible for 16 of those injuries, in one of which a woman was nearly blinded when a thug posted a firework through her letterbox. In the Yorkshire region as a whole there were 219 injuries - a statistic which represents a great deal of pain and suffering.
The measures announced by the Minister make a great deal of sense and are long overdue: a ban on airbombs, which fire as explosive charge in the manner of a supercharged Roman Candle; fixed-penalty notices of up to £40 for over-18s caught throwing fireworks in the street; and a crackdown on illegal markets in fireworks. There will also be encouragement for councils to use their powers to curb the problems of noise and nuisance caused by fireworks - a move which, if acted upon in Bradford, should help to reduce the barrage of explosions which echo around the city on a daily basis.
However, as welcome as these proposals are, they will be only as effective as the authorities make them. Resources will need to be put into policing the new measures, and high-profile prosecutions with exemplary punishments must follow, if they are to have the desired effect.

October 15 2002, This is Gloucestershire, FIREWORKS DISTURB RESIDENTS
Police in Cheltenham were flooded with calls about youths letting off fireworks last night.  They received 12 separate calls from people living in the town centre, Whaddon, Hester's Way and Churchdown.
In the most serious incident a youth was reported to have thrown a firework in Gardner's Lane, St Peter's.
Other incidents were reported in The Reddings, Priors Road, and Edinburgh Place.  All the calls were received between 6pm and midnight.  Sgt Bob Heywood, of Cheltenham police, said complaints about fireworks were increasing ahead of November 5.  He added: "It's mainly young children who are managing to get hold of fireworks.  "We'd ask shops to be vigilant about who they sell them to and also we ask parents to ensure they know where their children are and what they're doing, and not to let them out with fireworks."

October 15 2002, This is Gwent, City named as firework `hotspot'
NEWPORT has been named one of 12 firework hotspots in Britain.  The Department of Trade and Industry has named the city in a list of areas where firework misuse and injury is most acute.  The government has launched tough new measures to cut the number of firework injuries including a ban on air bombs, which caused up to a fifth of all firework accidents last year.
Gwent Police are also cracking down on problems with fireworks by asking shop keepers to consider to whom they are being sold. They are also taking a tough line against youngsters found to be using fireworks recklessly.
The government launched its campaign after the number of firework injuries among young teenagers rose by more than 50 per cent. 
New measures introduced by the Government 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, and;
* a new drive to encourage local councils to use their powers to curb the problem of noise and nuisance caused by fireworks.
Earlier this month the Argus reported how police were asking shops in Newport not to sell eggs and flour to youngsters in the run up to Halloween, as some youths used them as missiles last year.

October 15 2002, This is Nottingham, ACTION LONG OVERDUE ON FIREWORKS
It is only mid-October but in the darkening evenings you can already hear the bangs that over the next three weeks will grow into a eruption of potential danger.  The firework season is with us - and once again we wonder about the cost of those flashes and bangs.  Will the cost be the few quid an untrained, inexperienced buyer needs for rockets and bangers?
Or will it be an eye?
Or, as in the case of Jordan Hutchinson, a limb?
Today, with Jordan's truly shocking story, we relaunch our Be Safe Not Sorry campaign.  We do so as the Government names Nottingham as one of Britain's worst fireworks nuisance hotspots. As if we haven't already pointed that out!
The new TV and poster campaign is better than nothing ... but ministers are still only tinkering with the problem.
We return to the basic demand of Be Safe Not Sorry, which aims to protect innocent users as well as the targets of yobs and bullies ...
There must be an unequivocal ban on the sale of fireworks except to organisers of licensed events.  That is the only way of eliminating an autumn round of shock, burns and blast injuries which produced 41 Notts hospital cases last year. How many this year?
How many more for each year of inactivity before a Government serves the causes of safety and sound sense?

October 15 2002, This is Nottingham, FIREWORK LEFT ME LIKE THIS
This is the appalling damage a firework can do. Jordan Hutchinson's hand was blown apart when he was only 14.
He has suffered years of pain, and hundreds of operations.  Now he is pleading with youngsters not to play with fireworks, and is backing the Evening Post's campaign to stop them being sold to the public.
Mr Hutchinson, 30, said: "My message is please don't touch them. Why ruin your life for a night of fun? Be sensible and stay away from fireworks."  Mr Hutchinson's call comes as the Government today names Nottingham as one of Britain's 12 fireworks nuisance hotspots.
The city will be targeted with a poster and TV campaign, showing the injuries teenagers can suffer from fireworks.
Hospitals across Notts dealt with 41 casualties last year.
Jordan, of Lenton, said: "I am in full support of the Post campaign. I just hope people can learn from what I've been through."  His dreams of an Army career were wrecked when, as a schoolboy in Oxford, a group of youngsters threw a display firework at him.  He put up his hand and the firework exploded, blasting off his fingers. He was also deafened in one ear.  The hand damage was so severe that, despite hundreds of operations, his forearm had to be amputated.  "That firework stopped me having the career I'd always dreamed of doing. It ruined my life. I think fireworks should be banned. The government should get rid of them completely."

October 14 2002, Department of Trade and Industry
JOHNSON UNVEILS NEW PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO TACKLE FIREWORKS MISUSE 
Dangerous 'pocket money' firework to be made illegal 
Tough new measures to cut the number of firework injuries including a ban on air bombs - a cheap and accessible 'pocket money' firework that caused up to a fifth of all firework accidents last year - were unveiled by Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson today. 

The action plan was launched after the number of injuries among young teenagers rose by more than 50 per cent last year - the biggest increase for at least seven years.  The new measures, which will also cut down on the problems of noise and nuisance, include:  - proposed new regulations banning air bombs;  - 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 noise and nuisance caused by fireworks. 

Also:  - Home Office are piloting fixed penalty notices of £40 in four areas for over 18s caught throwing fireworks in the street.  The announcement coincides with the launch of a new hard-hitting national safety campaign.  The campaign's slogan 'fool with fireworks and bang goes your image' will highlight the injuries teenagers have suffered from fireworks misuse.  The poster and TV campaign will be targeted at 12 areas of the country where the problem of firework misuse and injury is most acute. 

Ms Johnson said:  "We all want to enjoy the fireworks season, but too often this time of year is blighted by problems of fireworks misuse, noise and nuisance.  "It's vital we crack down on this problem, but also educate people to make sure they know the consequences of the anti-social use of fireworks.  "Teenagers thinking of messing around with fireworks this year should think again. They are likely to spend Bonfire Night in casualty departments or worse.  "Always remember - fireworks are explosives and can cause serious damage."

The DTI and its Campaign Partner the Child Accident Prevention Trust will be issuing more detailed fireworks advice in the run up to November 5th.  The 12 areas being targeted by the safety campaign are:  ENGLAND Liverpool Bradford Manchester/Salford/Oldham Birmingham Leeds Wolverhampton Nottingham Portsmouth Sheffield Newcastle/Gateshead  SCOTLAND Greater Strathclyde  WALES Newport 

Accident Statistics 
Information about the numbers and types of injuries caused by fireworks during the Bonfire Night 'firework season' is collected from hospital Accident and Emergency Units in England, Scotland and Wales.  The injury statistics are collected during a four-week period covering the three-week period when fireworks are traditionally on sale to the general public prior to Bonfire Night and ending on the weekend after Bonfire Night.

Ban on Air Bombs 
The voluntary ban on the sale of air bombs to the public comes into effect on 1st January 2003.
For further information please contact John Woodhead at the British Fireworks Association on 07813 719106.

The DTI intends to introduce regulations under the 1987 Consumer Protection Act to enforce the ban subject to consultation. 

Fixed penalty notices 
Fixed penalty notices came into force in three pilot areas on 12 August (with North Wales Police starting the pilot on 2nd September), under the seventh commencement order for the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001. 
The four pilot areas are West Midlands (including British Transport Police operating within the West Midlands area), Essex Police, North Wales Police, (central division only) and Metropolitan Police (Croydon division only). 
Payment of a penalty involves no admission of guilt or record of criminal conviction, though the alleged offender has the right to opt for trial by court and risk conviction.
Failure to pay the penalty or opt for trial by court may lead to a fine equivalent to one and a half times the amount of penalty being imposed on the defaulter.  The power is discretionary and will be used by officers where appropriate. All the usual powers will be available to arrest and charge an offender to be dealt with in the courts if necessary. 
Persons under 18 years of age will not be eligible to receive penalty notices for disorder offences.  Crackdown on Illegal Markets 
The Health and Safety Executive has set up a fireworks enforcement liaison working group with local authorities, DTI and Customs and Excise. The aim of the working group is to improve the sharing of information and intelligence.

HSE has also developed, with Customs and Excise and local authorities, ways to obtain and disseminate timely information on importers of fireworks. 
Press Enquiries: 020-7215 5969 (Out of Hours : 020-7215 3234/ 3505) Public Enquiries: 020-7215 5000 Textphone (for people with hearing impairments): 020-7215 6740 

Annex A
CASE STUDIES 

James Townsend, Birmingham 
Schoolboy James Townsend nearly lost his hand following an accident with a banned firework last year.  The 14-year-old suffered serious burns after the Chinese Cracker blew up as he held it. The explosion ripped open his hand and blasted off the tips of his thumb and two fingers.  After finding help in a nearby street James was airlifted to the burns unit at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, followed by his father Nigel, 44.  "We were very shocked when we saw James. His hand was unrecognisable, it was like looking at a plate of raw meat, you could see the bones and tendons," remembers Nigel.  "Although it looked horrific right up until the moment I saw him go into theatre I still hoped they would be able to patch him up 100 per cent and he'd come out right as rain," says company director Nigel.  His hopes turned to fear when the two and a half hour operation dragged on for five and a half hours.  "That's when I started to worry that they were amputating his hand," says the company director.  Fortunately that was not the case and the three surgeons managed to save James's hand using delicate microsurgery.  Nigel, from Sutton Coldfield, says: "After the operation I was in tears but they were tears of joy because we realised they'd managed to work a miracle.  "James was extremely worried that he might lose his hand and had even asked whether he'd need a disabled badge when he was older. He's an extremely lucky boy. His hand is not disfigured and he has regained full use of it. His thumb and fingers are shortened but the scarring on his palm and down the side of his fingers is hardly noticeable." Now the 19-year-old teenager is able to play his favourite sports, golf and pool just as well as ever but knows that the accident has served to highlight the dangers of playing with fireworks.  Nigel adds: "It was a prank that back-fired. The detonator was given to James by a friend who dared him to let it off. James is a very normal sensible lad but like a lot of boys couldn't resist experimenting.  "Afterwards James said he didn't think it could happen to him and that it just wasn't worth it. We all hope that the accident will prevent other boys from playing with fireworks." 

Gary Hughes, Glasgow 
Promising young player Gary Hughes lost his chance to fulfil his footballing dream after playing with fireworks.  Having finished a training session the 15-year-old from Glasgow and some friends decided to let off fireworks in an adjoining field.  Gary put the firework in the grass and used his lighter. But before he had chance to get away, it exploded, devastating his hand.  The explosion tore his thumb and next two fingers from his right hand, and ripped most of the flesh and muscle from the bone. In a state of shock and badly injured, Gary ran to his sister's house for help.  'He was in a terrible way mentally and physically," says his father, Frank. 'We were all in shock.'  Gary needed three, five-and-a-half hour operations to try and save his hand and doctors were pessimistic about the surgery being a success. The next four days were critical, but Gary was resilient and recovered well.  However, since the accident in October 2000, he has needed more than ten operations to rebuild his hand. Skin and muscle have been taken from all over his body, leaving him with scars down his back and sides. He has also had to learn to use his other hand for simple, every day tasks.  Since then the talented youngster's dreams of becoming a professional footballer have fallen by the wayside, along with his passion for other sports such as golf, pool and swimming.  'He really misses playing sports and has lost a lot of confidence. He isn't the same boy. Before he was happy and carefree, now he gets depressed and suffers mood swings," says his dad, Frank. 'But it could have been worse. Gary could have lost his eyes," adds Frank.  Just turned 18, life is currently very different to the one Gary had envisaged. Although he has a girlfriend his father says that his self esteem is not what it used to be. 'I have always been against messing around with fireworks,' says Frank. 'The fireworks they got hold of were like bombs.  'If people could see what myself and my family have been through, all the operations and heartache, that would put boys off playing with fireworks. Imagine finding your son in the middle of the night crying his heart out. These are the consequences that people should know.  'If I could show my son's hand to other children I don't think they would pick up another firework. They need to see someone who has suffered, for it to hit home. 'Gary always tell youngsters to keep away from fireworks. These days he won't go out of the house on November 5th.' 

Martin Lamparter, London 
When teenager Martin Lamparter pulled on his trainers to go out, it would be the last time his family would see him alive.  Like most parents they had drummed it into their children the importance of being safe with fireworks.  Unfortunately, 13-year-old Martin, his older brother Andrew, and a friend failed to heed their warning last December.  The trio headed for a field near their north London home with a bag full of fireworks. The accident happened when a firework unexpectedly exploded and shot into the side of Martin's neck, rupturing a main artery. He suffered a brain haemorrhage and died instantly.  Not realising the severity of his brother's injury, Andrew ran back home and told his dad, 'there's been a terrible accident. Martin's been injured.' They dashed back to the pitch black field where Martin was found on the ground encircled by people.  'I was expecting him to be injured, not unconscious with people trying to give him heart massage and the kiss of life,' says dad, Brian, 39. 'I remember looking at his face and although it was completely unmarked, I knew in my own heart that Martin had gone," says Brian.  Ten minutes after arriving in hospital doctors broke the news that Brian deep down knew, but dreaded to hear.  'I had to phone my wife Margaret and she insisted I tell her over the phone what had happened," says Brian. 'It was awful and all quite blurry.' Through tears, Brian explains, 'the boys knew they shouldn't have been over there playing with fireworks. We'd always told them about how dangerous it was but being teenage boys, they just didn't listen. Our warnings didn't work.'  Only now, nine months later, the family, which includes an 11-year-old daughter, are beginning to get back on with their lives although it's a terribly slow and painful process.  Brian says: 'It was Martin's 14th birthday a little while ago and we had to go to the cemetery to see him. That's a tragedy. We have lost the biggest treasure in our lives. If we can save another family's grief, or a child suffering then something positive has come out of it.  'I would tell other boys and parents, just look what can happen when fireworks fall into the wrong hands. Teenage boys think it's a bit of fun but it can cost them their lives.' 

Sean MacLaughlan, Luton
Letting off fireworks on Halloween night proved to be an horrific experience for teenager Sean Maclaughlan.  In a moonlit field next to an abandoned church the teenager and a bunch of friends gathered with an assortment of powerful fireworks. Sean, says: "I set off an air bomb, which was supposed to contain two explosions but only one went off. Nothing happened, So I went over to it. I know they say never go back but I just didn't think.  'I picked it up and turned round to speak to someone and it went off in my hand. It was like holding a stick of dynamite.  'I knew my hand was pretty bad. My palm was split open and the pain was unbelievable. I wrapped my jumper around my arm to limit the blood flow to my hand and my friends drove to the nearest hospital.'  At Mount Vernon Hospital, London, doctors warned the apprentice engineer, that they may have to amputate parts of his fingers.  The initial operation lasted four hours and involved removing the top joint of his index finger and two joints of his middle finger and reconnecting tendons in his thumb. The following day Sean, 17, underwent 10 hour surgery, in which they took away his badly damaged thumb.  Sean stayed in hospital for three months of complex surgery and painful physiotherapy. He went without a thumb for eight months before undergoing a revolutionary operation to remove a toe and use it as a replacement thumb.  The operation was considered a success giving him back movement and feeling. Having become ambidextrous, Sean is now able to use his right had again. In all he has had five operations, four of which were over 10 hours.  After a year of hospital treatment Sean returned to work and continued with his day release city and guilds college course in the same subject.  Sean, from Luton says: 'It was daunting at first having to relearn to do simple things and then there's the whole thing about what other people think about you. But they don't notice my hand as I wear a skin coloured pressure garment.' Sean, who is now 21, is back riding motorbikes, enjoys holidays with friends and tries not to let his injury stop him from leading a normal life.  'Teenagers like me who let off fireworks, think it will never happen to them. But it does. I show them my hand to make it sink in. That normally shocks them. If I can prevent one person from going through what I've been through then it will be worth it,' says Sean.  'I wish I'd never gone near fireworks. I'm not scared of them but I give them a lot more respect now,' he adds.   

October 14 2002, Evening Post, Why I am putting a damper on firework frenzy
With the nights now noticeably closing in, my attention turns to Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night, both of which will be upon us soon.  I enjoy fireworks, as I believe the majority of people do, particularly when used as part of an organised display or in a responsible way.  Unfortunately, among the celebrations, the thoughtlessness of a few can cause misery to many.  Each year constituents approach me with their concerns about fireworks and criminal damage and activity performed in the name of Hallowe'en 'tricks'.  I firmly believe that more must be done to stop fireworks from falling into 'the wrong hands 'when they can then be used as weapons to scare and intimidate people.  Some appalling injuries are caused as a result of fireworks being misused in this way.  Therefore I have recently supported several motions in the House of Commons calling upon better regulations and restrictions of the sale of fireworks.  Several constituents have also approached me about fireworks going off at any time of the day - and at any time of the year.  I agree that this makes it difficult for people to keep their pets safe, and perhaps over the past few years the fireworks season has extended too far, and that this now needs to be reviewed.  Finally on the issue of fireworks, with Parliament reconvening this week, I shall be handing the petition presented to me at my constituency office by Jeremy Norton and his cat Kipper, to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Competition, Consumers and Markets at the Department of Trade and Industry.  Mr Norton's petition called on the Government to limit the use of fireworks to certain times of the day and year.  Last week, I was very pleased to be able to attend the World Mental Health Day hosted by the North Somerset Training & Education Consortium at their new premises at the Carlton Centre.   On the same day, the Good Mental Health GP Award was also given to Dr Ian Longhorn of Clarence Road, who was nominated in recognition of his work with mental illness.  It was very encouraging to meet so many people involved in, and dedicated to, providing mental health services in Weston-super-Mare.  It is so important that all these professionals combine and it is heartening to see this working to such effect locally.  I have been concerned with the assistance and support given to mental illness for many years.  It is essential that services are available, giving people general advice, helping with form filling and supporting people to enable them to hold down a job.  Parliament reconvenes this week, and I am looking forward to a new session where I hope we can see real progress in the areas of health, education and, of course, law and order.

October 14 2002, icBirmingham - Op for girl in firework horror By Staff Reporter, Evening Mail
A 16-year-old girl who was burned when a lighted firework was thrown in her face was preparing for further painful surgery today, including a second skin graft.
Sarah Morris, from Castle Bromwich, had hoped to be allowed home from the specialist burns unit at Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital at the weekend. But she is now set to undergo further treatment to repair the damage caused to her left cheek when a lighted roman candle was flung in her face. She is also set to undergo a series of tests after complaining of pains in her ears.
Her father Jasper, a retired police driver, said his daughter, a student, had been incredibly brave since the attack which happened as she walked home on Thursday evening past the Spitfire pub on the Parkfield Estate. He said: "Sarah is still in a lot of pain and still very much in shock. She is finding it hard to come to terms with what has happened. "I just keep thinking if this had happened to an elderly person or a young child the shock alone might have killed them."

October 14 2002, Leeds Today, Fireworks from MP BY GRANT WOODWARD
AN MP claims police failed to respond to 999 calls about yobs launching fireworks at passers-by.
Harold Best, who represents Leeds North West, carpeted officers for not taking the terrifying attacks seriously.
And he has told them he wants to see a "drastic improvement" in their response to firework-related incidents.
Mr Best says thugs went on the rampage in the Ireland Wood area of Leeds - where he has his constituency office - on Tuesday and Wednesday last week.
Scared
The gang hurled lit fireworks at pedestrians and into shops during a horrifying rampage through the streets.
But the MP said that despite several calls to the police from members of the public, their pleas for help fell on deaf ears.  He said the incidents and lack of police action had left people shocked and scared. Mr Best told the YEP : "I am, to say the least, extremely concerned by these reports, which have left my constituents terrified and angry.  "In the last few days the effects of the seemingly unrestricted sale of fireworks has brought havoc to my constituency.  "The 999 calls to the police went unattended and I have been in contact with the police seeking some drastic improvements in their response to these dangerous incidents."
A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police said the force was investigating the incidents and was "well aware" of problems caused by the misuse of fireworks.  She added: "Due to the large number of calls we receive on a daily basis, all calls not classed as emergency are graded in relation to their urgency and in this case the response time was agreed with the caller.  "We are always happy to review instances where the public feel their requirements have not been met."
Mr Best praised the YEP for our campaign calling for a ban on the sale of fireworks until 10 days before Bonfire Night. We also want new laws that give local authorities the powers to license all displays in their area.  Mr Best has pledged to sign a motion on fireworks proposed by the YEP and due to be presented to the House of Commons next week.  He said: "I strongly support the YEP's campaign. I wrote to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry this time last year in support of a limit to the sale of fireworks for professional and licensed events.
"There are parts of Leeds where there are explosions all hours of the day and night. We need legislation."

October 14 2002, Manchester News, Death of Megan
I think this act is appalling. I was born and brought up in Manchester, and I used to look forward to bonfire night. Here in Australia, fireworks are only sold to organised displays, and I think that this is much safer. Fireworks' accidents are few and far between here. That's how it should be.
M. K. Melbourne, Australia

October 14 2002, this is Bristol - FIREWORKS ORGANISERS URGED TO USE HORSE SENSE
An appeal has been made to organisers of fireworks displays to help keep horses and ponies safe on Bonfire Night.  They have been urged to warn owners that a display will be held so they can take action to protect their animals.
Many horses are terrified by the sight and sound of fireworks.
In the summer two horses collapsed and died due to stress when fireworks were let off near their field.  Another horse in the same field panicked and ran head-on into a telegraph pole. Just last month two horses died as a result of being frightened by a display. Their owner had not been warned in advance so the horses were left in their field.  They collided head-on with each other, sustaining horrific injuries. The British Horse Society said there had been an increase in the number of accidents involving horses as a result of more fireworks being used for business and family entertainment all year round.
Sheila Hardy, head of safety at the society, said: "Many horses are highly strung and will be terrified by the noise fireworks make and by the explosions of light.  "There is a real danger that frightened animals will escape from their field and perhaps cause an accident on the road.  "Anyone holding a fireworks party should also check their insurance cover as a claim for damages could prove very costly." 
If given an early warning horse owners can move their animals away. Anyone thinking of lighting a bonfire should also consider its location. Embers and sparks could cause a fire to any building nearby, including stables.

October 14 2002, This is Lancashire, Firemen blasted by rockets
FIREFIGHTERS came under attack from youths armed with rockets and other powerful fireworks on a dimly-lit Bolton street.  Firemen Paul Dugdale and Glynn McGann were temporarily deafened when a firework thrown from a passing car exploded in Hopefield Street.  The windows of a nearby school were also cracked when a firework landed next to a fire-engine in another incident in Goldsmith Street.
Today a Bolton fire chief said the louts were endangering their own lives -- and the lives of others.  The attack last night happened less than a week after a firefighter was injured by a firework thrown while he was putting out a blaze in Farnworth. Firefighter Dugdale today revealed how he, and his colleague, were attacked as they were dealing with a skip fire.  He said: "It was the sort of firework that should have been 1,000 feet up in the air, not on the ground."
Fire crews from Bolton Central fire station were called to four separate fires in the area between 8.30pm and 10pm last night.  The fires had all been started deliberately in skips and wheelie-bins off Derby Street. Each time the crews arrived they were confronted by a gang of youths.  Firefighter McGann and firefighter Dugdale believe the fireworks being hurled this year are more powerful and dangerous than previously, with some even being left as booby-traps inside blazing cars.
In the coming weeks they say lives could be put in danger because fire crews will have to turn out to minor blazes in pairs for protection, leaving a shortage of cover for elsewhere.  Firefighter Dugdale said: "It's no different than somebody making hoax calls."  Station Officer Peter Brandon from the Bolton Central station said: "A firefighter's job is to help members of the public.  "I cannot understand why people could be so reckless as to do something like this.  "If a firework exploded near a firefighter and damaged his eyes or perforated one of his eardrums it could end his career. These people are endangering people's livelihoods while putting their own lives at risk."
Sgt Ian Coop, of Bolton Police, today confirmed an investigation into a number of reported incidents has been launched. Sgt Coop added: "This type of behaviour will not be tolerated. We have received reports of youths throwing fireworks in the Daubhill area of Bolton and they will be investigated.  "Fireworks are not toys. They can kill. People who throw fireworks put their own lives and the lives of others at risk. Anyone who witnesses such behaviour should contact police."
David Crausby, MP for Bolton North, has campaigned against the sale of fireworks to under 18s. He said this lunchtime he was appalled at the actions of these young people.  Mr Crausby added: "Generally the whole business of fireworks is out of hand. These actions prove that the voluntary code does not work and that legislation should be brought into force.  "They should not be sold for use so long before November 5. It is just asking for this kind of trouble."

October 14 2002, This is Lancashire, It's torment and agony
HERE we go again, we're into October and the firework noise and trauma has already begun.  Does anyone out there in authority care about the torment and agony caused by the enormous bangs and flashes, which cause distress to animals and people alike?
To make matters worse, we now have, in Horwich, Lee Lane, "A Firework Shop", which, horror of horrors, I suppose means sales of fireworks all year!
Come on, local councils, protect your people and animals. Let's show everyone the way and ban firework sales except to organised displays.  I am writing on behalf of my two dogs who are terrified by fireworks, they say please, please help us.
Mrs J. B. Horwich, Bolton