October 26 2003, Sunday Mirror, BANGER to RIGHTS
YOBS who let fireworks off in the street will face a £20 on-the-spot fine. If they are too young or do not have the cash, their parents will be made to cough up.

The move is part of a crackdown on firework misuse - which will also up the legal age for buying them from 16 to 18.  In a bid to stop the growing menace of yobs letting off high-powered rockets, they are to be banned from public sale. But they will still be allowed at official displays.

The new law - which also make it illegal for people to organise big displays without getting council permission - will come in next year. 

A Department of Trade spokesman said:  "Young people should not be able to get hold of fireworks like bangers. But we know that they do. They can be very frightening and dangerous and we want to stamp out what is becoming a growing menace."

October 26 2003, Sunday Mirror, Lorraine Davidson
In a world of damp squibs. lets hear it for the Hamilton South Labour MP Bill Tynan whose Private Member's Bill - which has just gone through the Commons - will curb irresponsible sale of fireworks.
He told the PM this week that 1,000 tonnes of fireworks had been smuggled into the country illegally and were being sold at school and factory gates. If his Bill prevents one child being injured, he will have made a huge contribution.

October 26 2003, This is London, Council backs firework call
People in Thanet are being urged to make sure their pets are not scared or injured by fireworks in the lead-up to Guy Fawkes night.
Each year, the RSPCA is inundated with calls from people worried about the distress caused to pets by fireworks.
Thanet Council is now backing a call for the public to think carefully when planning for November 5.

October 25 2003, BBC NEWS, Derbyshire  Bomb squad called to two explosions
Bomb disposal experts are investigating two large explosions in South Derbyshire on Friday night.
Derbyshire Police say the explosions were probably caused by homemade fireworks.
One was ignited in a telephone box in Linton Heath and the other in the porch of a house on Buckingham Drive in Castle Gresley.
Both explosions caused extensive damage.
Shaking and crying
Rebecca Eames says her home was targeted around 2330 BST on Friday.
"It was like a big bomb - not like a normal fireworks - and it sounded like the house had caved in," she said.
"All the lights went out and there was a lot of smoke inside the house.
"It was quite frightening and it woke up my little boy who came in shaking and crying."
Another explosion caused by fireworks in Derby on 10 October caused thousands of pounds of damage to a house.
Derbyshire Police are investigating both explosions.

October 25 2003, BBC NEWS, Firework 'could have killed man'
An 18-year-old man struck by a firework in north Belfast has said doctors told him he could have been killed.
David McCleery was struck on the shoulder as he was leaving Cave Hill Country Park on Friday evening.
Police believe a brass plug was attached to the end of the rocket.
Mr McCleery warned those responsible that a repeated incident could prove fatal.  "I heard a hissing sound and then a loud bang and a flash," he said. "I felt something strike me on my left shoulder and my arm went dead.  "In the hospital, they took me for an X-ray, and there was a large object on my shoulder. "(The doctor) said if it had been six inches either way, it could have killed me."
Meanwhile, police in County Fermanagh have seized illegal fireworks worth up to £100,000.  The discovery was made during a planned search of Clogher market on Saturday.  There were no arrests.

October 25 2003, Daily Record, Rocket Agony
A boy of 16 blew off his fingers when a firework exploded in his hand.  He is expected to lose at least two fingers after the accident in Bearsden, Glasgow, on Thursday.

October 25 2003, Daily Record - ROCKET BOY LOST FINGERS
A TEENAGER blew off his fingers when a firework exploded in his hand.  The 16-year-old bought a rocket and tried to light it with a cigarette lighter.
The latest victim of fireworks mayhem leading up to November 5 was in Glasgow Royal Infirmary last night. He had been with a pal who was unhurt.  The youth is expected to lose at least two fingers after the accident near Boclair Academy in Bearsden, Glasgow, on Thursday.

October 25 2003, Ulster TV, Belfast youth injured by firework
An 18-year-old man injured by a firework in north Belfast last night.
He was leaving the Cave Hill Country Park on the Ballysillan Road at around 9pm when he was struck on the shoulder. a brass plug was attached to the end of the firework.
Meanwhile, police in Newtownbutler have seized £100,000 worth of illegal fireworks during a planned search of Clogher Market in County Tyrone.
There were no arrests.

October 24 2003, Ayrshire Post, Adults proving the real menace
The Post carried a story last week about undercover teenagers being used to catch shops selling fireworks to under-18s.

However, the real menace is the overgrown kids posing as adults who see fit to have their own wee' private firework displays throughout October and into November. Just the other night, some selfish clown was letting off commercial fireworks in a formerly quiet street in Muirhead, Troon, at 9.30pm!!!

How my wee boy never woke up is a mystery. Rest assured, if he had, then I would have marched to the idiot's door and placed a rocket where the sun doesn't shine.  These were not silly mini-rockets the youngsters are letting off in the street. These are the kind of things you would normally see lighting up Ayr Racecourse on the 'real' bonfire night.

The same happened last year with people having their own displays when it suits them, and not when everyone expects it on November 5!  The result: a month of banging and screaming just because November 5 isn't convenient to people who obviously have more cash than they know what to do with. 
If anyone in my street lets off fireworks outwith November 5 and after my wee boy's in bed, then expect a reaction.
Cheesed-off Donal Drive resident Troon

October 24 2003, BBC News, Wales, Three questioned about Firework Injury
Dyfed - Powys Police have arrested three men after a firework was allegedly fired through the living room window of a house in Llanelli on Wednesday.
Marjorie Davies, 68, suffered burns and cuts from the shattered glass as she sat watching television.
Three local me, 28, 34 and 35 have been arrested and are in custody where they are being questioned.
Mrs Davies needed hospital treatment for burns following the incident.  She has called for improved safety rules.

October 24 2003, BBC NEWS  Wales  Firework victim wants tighter controls
A pensioner who was burned in her own home when a firework smashed through her window has called for tougher rules on their sale. Marjorie Davies, 68, from Llanelli, said she believed they should be taken out of shops and only allowed in organised firework displays. "All I hope is that they do take them off the market because they're lethal and they shouldn't be sold to children underage anyway," she said on Friday.
Her view is supported by politicians in Westminster. A bill currently going through Parliament seeking to impose tougher curbs on the sale and use of fireworks.
The Fireworks Bill, which has cross-party support, aims to reverse the trend towards year-round firework displays and general misuse which cause misery to residents, pets, and wild animals.
Mrs Davies' chair was ripped apart the private members' bill, sponsored by Labour MP Bill Tynan, will also make the noisiest fireworks illegal and impose stricter rules on the training of those who give professional displays.
On Friday, police appealed for information after a firework was thrown into an unoccupied car parked in the Ely area of Cardiff.
Meanwhile relatives of the attack on Mrs Davies have been calling for anyone with information about the culprits to contact the police. Mrs Davies' hair caught fire when the 2ft rocket hit the chair she was sitting in at her home in Bryn Golau as she watched television.   Her husband Ken Davies, who was in an upstairs room, rushed to help and had to throw water over her and the burning chair.  The grandmother of six also suffered cuts to her face and hands, perforated ear drums. Doctors at Swansea's Morriston Hospital had to remove pieces of glass from her head.  Her family believe the house was deliberately targeted because she had challenged local teenagers about their behaviour in the past.
Police forensic experts have carried out tests at the house and have told Mrs Davies she can now return.
But Mrs Davies has said she is terrified to go back, for fear of further attacks. Her two sons and daughter have appealed to the parents of those responsible to turn them over to the police. The explosion was so powerful it also shattered a second window, knocked pictures off the walls, and destroyed the letterbox on the front door, 20ft away.
Mrs Davies' husband was the first to see what had happened. "I heard one big explosion and I ran downstairs," he said. "I heard my wife screaming and I found her in the chair bleeding, with the back of her hair all burned."
Her son Chris Phillips said: "Her hair was on fire and he threw water to stop it. "I was here with 10 minutes and was trying to talk to her but she could not hear anything I was saying. "She was in shock as she was taken to hospital. "The doctors said she had a comfortable night and I'm going to collect her this morning as she is being transferred to Singleton. "Quite often she looks after some of the grandchildren for a couple of hours and it's just very lucky none of them were with her."
Her daughter Haley Rees said: "I just do not know what is wrong with people. "She has lived here for more than 20 years but I will make sure she never has to come back here. "I cannot tell you what I would do to those responsible. "Someone must know as word soon gets out - if their parents know then they should tell the police as this was deliberate. There is no question of that."
Her son Stephen Phillips believes local youths are responsible Mrs Davies's other son Stephen Phillips said he was convinced the incident was linked to trouble with local teenagers in the past. "The kids are targeting the house because she phoned the police - because she stands up for herself. "This could have been a manslaughter case. "If she had been here by herself, she couldn't have got out of the chair quick enough. She could have burned in that chair, and they would have had to live with that on their conscience. "The people who sold the fireworks would have had that on their consciences, too. It's bloody disgusting."
Police are investigating and forensic experts examined the house on Thursday. Inspector Ian Richards said: "This was a mindless act and we will do our best to identify and deal with the people responsible."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Llanelli police on 01554 772222.
The comments published here represent the balance of views received:
I don't know what it's like in the rest of the country, but here in South Wales we are tormented by kids throwing fireworks from August to December. This is a horrifying case which shows that fireworks should be banned except for public displays and there should be harsher penalties for anti-social behaviour and selling fireworks to children. Mrs Davies stood up against the intimidation that so many of us face and I'm glad she was not more critically injured. I wish her a speedy recovery.
Jess, Cardiff, UK
Fireworks are safe as long as those who hold then respect what they have, and others around them. However when the immature get hold of them and commit a crime, they know the law in this country is weak.
Neil , Wales
Fireworks should be for public displays only and should be handled by professionals. Every year there are reports of injuries to people and animals, and most pets are distressed by the noise. They should never be handled by children. They are explosives after all, and you wouldn't let a child play with a loaded gun would you?
C Wakeford, UK
Fireworks should be banned completely, and if necessary only the army allowed to use them at organised November 5th events.
Ben, Scotland
I grew up in Llanelli and we didn't have the money to buy fireworks as kids. You can't blame fireworks, you have to blame the parents for not keeping their kids under control and the law for not being strict enough. I have lived in the States for 12 years and streets are far safer here than in my home town. It's such a shame that a lack of discipline has produced a society of yobs.
DW, USA
It would be impossible to prevent mis-use of fireworks without a complete ban, so ban them now, this nuisance goes on for far too long.
Vince, UK
By all means restrict their sale to adults and try and encourage there safe use but trying to ban them won't work. There are Chinese , Indians and other groups who use them to celebrate at other times than November 5th. Also if you can't buy them officially people will buy them from illegal sources and these fireworks are likely to cause far more injuries and damage.
Peter, UK
I think all fireworks should be withdrawn from sale and those found misusing them should be heavily fined. There is an idiot on my estate who has been letting off fireworks all year, sometimes in the early hours.
Dave, England
Fireworks should only be sold to professional licenced users to hold public displays. For the past three months they have been going off at all hours of the day and night. It is distressing for pets and annoying for the rest of us. Some shopkeepers are not responsible enough to sell them to the right people. These things are lethal and should be regulated.
Helen, UK
Ban them. The police have better things to do than to monitor firework use.
Karen, UK
I suppose we should also ban the sale of chisels, so that they cannot be used in Basic Instinct-style attacks.
Graeme Phillips, Germany, normally UK
I would go further, and demand fireworks are only available to organisations for displays, and are not for sale to the general public. Anyone caught selling or letting them off should be fined a minimum of £1,000
John Ritchie, England
A law should be brought in that no fireworks are sold until at least two days before fireworks night and then only to organised events or adults over the age 18 years (with proof of identity.) Fireworks have been going off for the last two weeks in the area, and not just small crackers!
Michelle Hopkins, Wales
The sale of fireworks to the general public should be banned, and only available for licensed displays. Many of them now sound like miniature (or not so miniature) bombs. You wouldn't allow people to buy hand grenades or similar weapons, yet these fireworks can be just as devastating in their effects. Most of them aren't even pretty, just make a noise. My dog has spent almost every evening since September trembling in the corner because he is frightened by the noise. It is getting increasingly difficult to find a time to walk him without fireworks going off and frightening him. An Irish man who spoke at our church last weekend said it was like being in Belfast at the height of the Troubles.
Christine Rotheram, UK
I believe that Fireworks should only be used at displays this would reduce the risk to innocent people. I was hit by a firework on New Years' morning. Luckily, I was not hurt as I had on a thick coat and jumper and it hit my shoulder. I was in a state of shock for ages. Would hate to think what Marjorie is going through. Ban fireworks from all shops.
Angela, UK
I would be sad to see the sale of fireworks to the public banned completely, but it's high time for some tighter controls. Perhaps the point of sale should be restricted to fewer, reputable outlets which are prepared to enforce age restrictions and would be easier for the authorities to licence and monitor. Certainly increase the age limit for buying fireworks to 21 years. Some enforceable restrictions on the dates and the time of day people can discharge fireworks could be introduced. If the current unsatisfactory state of affairs is allowed to persist and deteriorate then it will become harder to argue against the proposals for an outright ban.
Dale Deacon, England
Children have no idea about assessing risks, as an experienced chemistry teacher I would not let any of my pupils near gunpowder in school, but they can go out after school and buy it from the shops. Fireworks should not be sold to the general public.
Andrew Gray, UK
I think that fireworks should not be on sale to the general public. Why would anyone want to buy them in the first place? The whole Guy Fawkes business is a farce anyway, why 'celebrate' an attempted terrorist attack on parliament? If however people do wish to see a firework display then why not go to an organised event. At present this madness seems to span several weeks, whereas when I was a child the letting off of explosives was limited to either the weekend before, the actual day, or the weekend after November 5th, not to mention during reasonable hours. In the part of London I live in, you can expect fireworks to be let off at all times of the day and night. In my opinion it's a complete nonsense, but if people must do it then please let there be some regulation.
PW, UK
The sale of fireworks should be restricted to the week before November 5th - and even then should only be sold to responsible adults. Being over 18 doesn't automatically make you responsible! Let's not forget that fireworks are explosives! I have listened to fireworks going off outside my house and in the surrounding area now for weeks and it's delinquent kids doing it.
Mark, UK
No, they shouldn't be sold at all. There are many organised events, most of them free to attend. Even if you have to pay a fee to enter the grounds, it is still normally no more expensive than buying fireworks yourself. There is no need for them to be sold over the counter to anybody - it's just asking for trouble.
M Williams, N Wales
Sales of explosives and firearms are rigidly controlled, why not fireworks? It is long past the time when the sale of these dangerous weapons should be licensed.
Roger, UK
Firework sales should be banned except on the 4th & 5th November. Anyone selling as above or setting off fireworks other than on 5 November should face an automatic custodial sentence.
Alan Finch, England
In Chatham they sell fireworks all year round, and it is really annoying when someone thinks it is funny to let a load off, at one in the morning.
Andrew Akerman, England
In Canada, where I'm from originally, fireworks can only be used by licensed pyrotechnic experts. It was unlicensed when I was a child and my brother has the burn scar on his leg to prove it (fireworks and wellie boots don't mix!). I absolutely believe they should be banned to the general public - these are dangerous items and people take them far too lightly.
Janet Hill, UK
I don't think they should be banned, but they could be restricted for sale. There should also be a restriction on when they can be used i.e. seven days before or after Guy Fawkes, but illegal at all other times. Banning them because of a few irresponsible people is really not fair on every one else.
Tony, UK
A similar thing happened to my neighbour two years ago (although there was no indication that it was a deliberate attack). A rocket smashed through her window and landed in her bathroom. She was away on holiday at the time, and it was only because another neighbour went to investigate that the fire didn't spread through the flat and along the terrace. Throughout October, the area where I live begins to feel like a war zone, with fireworks let off at all hours of the day and night. I believe that the sale of all fireworks larger than sparklers should be restricted to licensed operators at public displays.
Heidi, UK
I don't think Fireworks should be on sale to the public, only organised displays should have them. Youths have been setting fireworks off in my area since August. I say ban them all together from shops.
Graham Powell, Wales
I think fireworks should be on sale all year round. People should have the choice of being able to buy fireworks for other reasons than just bonfire night. I do feel, however, that the minimum age for a person to buy fireworks should be raised to 21 and the shop keepers who sell fireworks to people under-age should face harsher punishment. Perhaps some community service in a burns unit might give them something to think about.
Nicci, Reading, UK
I think all fireworks should not be sold at all to the general public. Why is it we can buy fireworks but we can't buy guns. Fireworks are a killer in the wrong hands and do have gun powder inside them after all.
Lorraine, Cheshire

October 24 2003, BBC NEWS  World  Europe  Customs deny illegal fireworks claim
Guernsey needs to be more aware of fireworks being imported illegally from France, according to an island distributor.   Jim Bevas, of Starburst Fireworks, said youngsters usually got hold of illegal fireworks, rather than those from reputable retailers.
But customs have denied fireworks are making their way into the Channel Islands through back-door routes.
They say their last seizure of illegally imported fireworks occurred two years ago.
Customs and Excise deputy head Mark Lempriere said they were constantly on the look-out for fireworks, but none had been found for quite some time.   "We haven't seized any fireworks, but we are more than happy to hear from the public if they have any information on large quantities of fireworks."
Mr Bevas said new guidelines to raise the age of people allowed to buy fireworks to 20 persecuted the majority for the sake of a small minority of troublemakers.

October 24 2003, BBC NEWS,  Coventry-Warwickshire  Warning over firework safety
Shopkeepers are being warned not to sell fireworks to children as Bonfire Night approaches.
Police in Coventry are visiting retailers in the city to check they are not allowing under-16s to buy fireworks.
Officers are also joining forces with trading standards officials to try to ensure fireworks meet with safety standards.
Peter Robinson, from Coventry Trading Standards, said those people who sell fireworks to youngsters are partly to blame for any trouble that is caused.
"Often children can get carried away and can become a nuisance to others and put themselves at risk by letting fireworks off in an inappropriate place or manner.
"We will be discouraging local shopkeepers from selling fireworks to under-age youngsters."

October 24 2003, Evening Chronicle, Give illegal sales a rocket
TRADING Standards officials are asking the public to turn detectives to curb illegal firework sales.  South Tyneside Council has joined with Northumbria Police and Tyne Wear Fire Service in the move.
The groups are asking for help to identify anyone doing illegal sales from shops, houses, pubs, mobile shops and car boot sales. They also want to confiscate fireworks that do not meet strict safety requirements.
A spokesman for Northumbria Police in South Tyneside said: "We are determined to stamp out the unruly behaviour of the minority that causes nuisance for the rest of the community..  "We are committed to public safety and will take action against anyone found in possession of illegal fireworks or who is discharging them inappropriately."
A hotline has been set up and you can call free on (0800)0935878. All calls will be handled in confidence. Further details on firework safety from the Trading Standards Service on (0191)4247895

October 24 2003, Highland News Group - Animal charity concern over fireworks danger
WITH Guy Fawkes Night fast approaching, the Scottish SPCA has sounded a warning about the possible dangers to pets from fireworks.
At this time of year, the SSPCA asks members of the public to consider domestic pets, farm animals and wildlife and the fear that they can suffer due to fireworks. SSPCA inspectors have already started receiving calls regarding animals in distress.
SSPCA deputy chief superintendent John Briggs explained: "It is a matter of course that around this time of year the society is inundated with telephone calls from worried owners whose animals are suffering serious trauma and sometimes injuries.
"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."
An SSPCA survey in 2001 revealed that at least 8,000 animals in Scotland received veterinary treatment as a direct result of fireworks during the year.
The SSPCA's press and campaigns manager Doreen Graham said: "We've spoken to many pet owners and farmers who have reported cases of distressed and traumatised animals. In some cases animals have died because fireworks have been deliberately and cruelly set off next to them.
"It is awful that any animal should suffer at human hands but it is even more unforgivable that an animal should suffer as a result of something that is considered fun - and fireworks are supposed to be fun."
Following a record number of incidents reported in 2001, the SSPCA campaigned to tighten up the law and the result was the new Fireworks Act, which was passed by Westminster in September this year.
As a result of the new act, Scottish ministers will be introducing regulations restricting where and when fireworks can be used and regulations for public fireworks displays.
To try to reduce the number of casualties for this year, the Scottish SPCA has issued the following advice to pet owners and those who are planning to hold their own fireworks displays:
All pets should be 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 SSPCA immediately on 0870 7377722 or 01463 231191.
If you are planning a fireworks display, warn your neighbours, especially if they have pets, horses or livestock. Make sure neighbours know the date and times of any display you plan to hold so they can prepare. Try to hold the display 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 should be checked for signs of hibernating hedgehogs. Telltale signs around the bonfire include footprints and droppings. Build your bonfire inside a chicken wire surround to stop hedgehogs seeking shelter.
Do not hold a firework display near a wildlife or nature reserve. It is difficult to judge to what extent wild animals and birds are affected by fireworks, but evidence suggests that they could be lethal. Many wild animals feed at night and fireworks could disrupt their feeding patterns.
Only use fireworks on or as close as possible to Guy Fawkes Night.

October 24 2003, Horse & Hound Online, Mixed reactions to fireworks law
The proposed firework regulations, banning certain fireworks as well as imposing curfews, have been published but critics fear the legislation will be ineffective
As the firework season opens and owners face the annual worry of injury - or worse - to their horses, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has put the initial set of regulations associated with the newly passed Fireworks Act out for consultation. Responses were due earlier this week.

The proposed law includes a mandatory ban on Air Bombs - the "scream-bang" fireworks the industry voluntarily removed from sale at the beginning of this year; a year-round 11pm to 7am curfew (excluding New Year's Eve) on fireworks and a ban on under-18s carrying fireworks in public places.

However, critics of the Act, introduced as a private member's bill by MP Bill Tynan (Lab), fear that the legislation will make little difference in practice.

"The regulations that have been discussed will not solve anything," says campaigner Teresa Kulkarni, who presented a petition to Downing Street this July in favour of restricting fireworks to licensed public displays. "The problem is that the Act excludes garden fireworks. And decibel limits and curfews are just a joke from an enforcement point of view."

Read the article in full - including further reactions to the regulations - in this week's issue of Horse & Hound (23 October).

October 24 2003, ic Coventry - Firework hits girl, 18, on bus
Police today appealed for help in finding four youths after a firework was thrown in a bus.
An 18-year-old suffered what police described as a flash wound to her leg after the incident on the number 21 bus in Swanswell Street, Hillfields, Coventry, about 8.15pm on Thursday, October 16.  A Coventry police spokes-woman said: "The bus stopped on Swanswell Street. Four youths got off and, as they went, one turned round and threw a lit firework into the bus.  "It is very lucky no greater injuries were received by the driver or any of the other passengers."
She said the men were all in their late teens. One was white and three were black.
Anyone with any information should contact PC Naomi Baker or Acting Sgt Ben Oakley on 0845 113 5000.
Another incident involving a Coventry bus happened on the same day.
Just before midday four youths fired a firework at the number 4 bus on Hen Lane, near Ernesford Grange School.
The firework hit the bus but no damage was caused.
Both attacks followed an incident on Wednesday, October 8, when a rocket was fired at a bus parked in Proffitt Avenue, Little Heath, about 8.30pm.
The firework smashed through a window, setting fire to seats and filling the bus with smoke.
The blaze caused an estimated £10,000 damage.

October 24 2003, ic Huddersfield - Joint action over firework safety
A CAMPAIGN is under way to stop the illegal sale of fireworks.
The aim is to stop fireworks falling into the hands of yobs who make people's lives a misery by setting them off in the streets in the run-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night.
The campaign has seen Calderdale police teaming up with West Yorkshire Fire Service and West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service.
Chief Insp Bill Hall, of Calderdale police, said: "We have sent letters to all those licensed to sell fireworks reminding them of the consequences of selling to people under the age of 18. They could face being prosecuted.
"Over the coming weeks we will be out and about reinforcing this message along with trading standards officers."
He said beat bobbies will be paying particular attention to shops selling fireworks.
He added: "As Bonfire Night approaches we get a number of calls from people alarmed or distressed by people misusing fireworks.
"A small number of people use them to frighten others, damage property and create the risk of injury, both to themselves and others.
"I would like to urge people to be responsible and considerate so that Bonfire Night can be enjoyed by everyone."
Halifax fire station commander Peter Bentley said: "I would like to encourage people to go to organised bonfire events to enjoy trouble-free celebrations."
Martin Wood, Chief Officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service, said: "By sharing intelligence we will ensure that known hot-spot areas are targeted and this reinforces the message that the illegal sale of fireworks to underage youngsters will not be tolerated."

October 24 2003, ic Wales - 'Firework yobs could have killed Gran'
DISABLED Marjorie Davies was choosing Christmas presents for her grandchildren when a huge firework fired through her living room window exploded by her side.
The 69-year-old was sitting watching the shopping channel at her home in Bryn Golau, Llanelli, when the 2ft rocket rammed the chair, engulfing her in flames and flying glass.
Her son, Chris Phillips, 40, branded the attack "attempted murder", believing both she, her husband Ken and her grandchildren narrowly escaped death.
Her family believe she was targeted because she had recently complained to the police about being harassed by local youths who made fun of her for using walking sticks.
Mrs Davies, who is recovering from a hip operation, suffered cuts and burns to her face, head and hands. The hair on the back of her head was burned off and both eardrums were perforated.
The explosion was so powerful that the letterbox, 20ft away, was blown out.
Mr Phillips, one of her three children, said yesterday, "It is simply horrific. My mother is in a terrible state and the injuries look very nasty.
"Unfortunately, we live in a yob culture and this is the result of it. This was an intentional act - they deliberately aimed this rocket into my mother's home - and in my book it is attempted murder. The rocket was big enough and powerful enough to smash through the double-glazed window.
"My mother was just sitting in her own home watching the shopping channel QVC for ideas for Christmas when it happened. It's unbelievable. Judging by the amount of damage, this was a massive rocket - not the sort of thing you would normally see in the shops. It's like a bomb has hit the place.
"She has six grandchildren and they often come around to visit and sit with her in her chair. The youngest is just seven months old - just imagine what would have happened if one of them had been there last night.
"I am not against firework displays but these things should not be on sale. They should be banned and people should be made aware of the injuries that they can cause.
"I am very angry about this but I just hope that whoever did this is caught and justice is done. I would appeal to anyone who knows these yobs to tell the police."
Mr Davies, who was upstairs when the rocket exploded, used a jug of water to extinguish the flames after the attack at 7.15pm on Wednesday.
"I heard one big explosion and I ran downstairs," Mr Davies said. "Marjorie was screaming for help and I found her in the chair bleeding, with the back of her hair all burned. I had to throw water over her to put the flames out. She was in shock and I don't think that she had any idea what had actually happened to her.
"The whole family is very distressed about this - she could have been killed."
Mrs Davies was taken to a specialist burns unit at Morriston Hospital, Swansea. Yesterday, she was moved to Singleton Hospital.
Forensic experts were yesterday examining the house and the remains of the rocket which is thought to have been bought illegally.
Dyfed-Powys Police Inspector Ian Richards said, "This was a mindless act and we will do our best to identify and deal with the people responsible. We will focus on any criminal activity and acts of anti-social behaviour with regard to the misuse of fireworks."

October 24 2003, Scotsman.com News Three Charged over Firework Attack on Grandmother
Police charged three men today after a firework was thrown through an elderly woman's living room window.
Marjorie Davies, 68, was watching television at her home in Bryn Golau, Llanelli when the firework came through the window and set fire to a chair.
Grandmother Mrs Davies suffered burns and cuts from the shattered glass and needed treatment at Morriston Hospital, Swansea.
Dyfed-Towys police said they had charged three local men in their 30s with arson and another offence in connection with the incident which happened on Wednesday.
The three men are due to appear at Llanelli Magistrates Court tomorrow.

October 24 2003, Scotsman.com News, Illuminating play highlights fireworks danger
A HARD-HITTING play warning youngsters about the dangers of playing with fireworks is set to embark on a tour of city schools.  Around 3000 secondary pupils across the Capital are expected to take in Toast, a drama commissioned by the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents.  Two teams of actors from the Wester Hailes Arts and Leisure Centre will be touring the city with the half-hour play in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
The city council, which is funding the tour, said the play was being specifically targeted at pupils in areas of the Capital with a known history of firework abuse. Toast was originally written for performance in schools around Northern Ireland and was specially adapted for a five-school run in Edinburgh last year. Now, all 23 city secondary schools have been offered performances of the play, which tells how a group of friends intentionally steal and misuse fireworks, leading to the horrific injury of a central character.
Edinburgh's environment leader, Bob Cairns, said: "Toast has been a great success in highlighting the dangers of playing with fireworks.  "Education has a key role to play in getting the message across to young people that fireworks can be incredibly dangerous and can cause considerable distress and injury to others if used inappropriately."
Yesterday, the Evening News revealed how rogue traders caught flouting the law by selling fireworks to children were facing fines of up to £5000 under the city's biggest fireworks crackdown.

October 24 2003, The Galloway Gazette, Youths cause fireworks nuisance
YOUTHS in Stranraer are causing 'stress and harassment for local residents by letting off fireworks in the run up to Guy Fawkes night.
Over the weekend, police in the town received numerous reports of young people setting of fireworks. A police spokesperson explained: "This is a problem encountered every year in the run up to Guy Fawkes and causes residents in the town no end of stress and harassment.
"The dangers of playing with fireworks or letting them off in an uncontrolled environment cannot be overly stressed," police explained on Monday.
Anybody who can identity any person setting off fireworks in this manner, should contact Stranraer Police Station on 01776 702112, or speak to any officer.

October 23 2003, BBC NEWS  Wales  South West Wales  Anger over firework attack
Neighbours who gathered outside the home of a grandmother burnt in a firework attack said gangs of youths had been making their lives a misery for years.
As scenes of crime officers sealed off the property at Bryn Golau in the Dafen area of Llanelli, people living nearby said little was being done to stop youths causing trouble.
Marjorie Davies spent the night in a hospital burns unit after a 2ft rocket was fired through the double-glazed window of her living room.
Her friend and neighbour Bernard Chapman said police and council housing officers needed to clampdown on under-age-drinking, drug taking and other anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Tegwen Devichand The Bryn Golau estate is made up of council-run and privately-owned homes with building work under way for new social housing.
"Years ago we use to be able to leave your front door open but you would not dare to it now," said Mr Chapman.
"We use to chat over the wall, pop around for cups of tea and have street parties.
"Now the place has gone wild. There are empty beer cans thrown in our gardens, needles have been found and they are always causing trouble for the security man on the building site.
"In the last few weeks we have had fireworks going off at all times - I was woken at 0500BST the other night.
"Now it has taken this to happen before something is done."

Carmarthenshire councillor for Dafen, Tegwen Devichand, said efforts had been made to demolish boarded-up and unfit homes in the area.
But she said the problem of anti-social behaviour had not gone away.
Marjorie Davies' hair was set alight by the firework "There has been problems involving gangs of youths for years and I'm making complaints to the police at least every month," she said.
"I am very concerned because there are new social houses going up here for the most vulnerable and they need to be protected.
"I've have had meetings with the police and council housing officers but the problem has continued.
"What has happened to this lady in her own home is frightening - truly frightening."

October 23 2003, BBC NEWS  Wales  South West Wales  Pensioner hurt in firework 'attack'
A disabled grandmother has spent the night in a hospital burns unit after a firework smashed through her double-glazed window and exploded in her front room.
Marjorie Davies' hair caught fire when the 2ft rocket went off at her house at Bryn Golau, Llanelli, as she watched television.
Her husband Ken Davies, who was in an upstairs room, rushed to help and had to throw water over her and the burning chair she had been sitting on.
The grandmother-of-six also suffered cuts to her face and hands, perforated ear drums. Doctors at Swansea's Morriston Hospital had to remove pieces of glass from her head.

Her family believe the house was deliberately targeted because she had challenged local teenagers about their behaviour in the past.
Her two sons and daughter have appealed to the parents of those responsible to turn them over to the police.
News of the incident comes as support grows in Westminster for legislation to impose tougher curbs on the sale and use of fireworks.
Also on Thursday night, a telephone box in Rhondda, south Wales, exploded after fireworks were lit inside. It was the third such incident in a week.
Mrs Davies, who is 68 and has had limited mobility because of hip problems, was transferred to Singleton Hospital, Swansea, on Thursday morning.
The explosion was so powerful it also shattered a second window, knocked pictures off the walls, and destroyed the letterbox on the front door, 20ft away.
Mrs Davies' chair was ripped apart. "I heard one big explosion and I ran downstairs," said Mr Davies.
"I heard my wife screaming and I found her in the chair bleeding, with the back of her hair all burned."
Her son Chris Phillips told BBC News Online: "Her hair was on fire and he threw water to stop it.
"I was here with 10 minutes and was trying to talk to her but she could not hear anything I was saying.
"She was in shock as she was taken to hospital.
"The doctors said she had a comfortable night and I'm going to collect her this morning as she is being transferred to Singleton.
"Quite often she looks after some of the grandchildren for a couple of hours and it's just very lucky none of them were with her."
Local teenagers
Her daughter Haley Rees said: "I just do not know what is wrong with people.
"She has lived here for more than 20 years but I will make sure she never has to come back here.
"I cannot tell you what I would do to those responsible.
"Someone must know as word soon gets out - if their parents know then they should tell the police as this was deliberate. There is no question of that."
Marjorie Davies was watching TV when the rocket hit Mrs Davies's other son Stephen Phillips said he was convinced the incident was linked to trouble with local teenagers in the past.
"The kids are targeting the house because she phoned the police - because she stands up for herself.
"This could have been a manslaughter case.
"If she had been here by herself, she couldn't have got out of the chair quick enough. She could have burned in that chair, and they would have had to live with that on their conscience.
"The people who sold the fireworks would have had that on their consciences, too. It's bloody disgusting."
Police are investigating and forensic experts examined the house on Thursday.
Inspector Ian Richards said: "This was a mindless act and we will do our best to identify and deal with the people responsible."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Llanelli police on 01554 772222.

October 23 2003, Daily Record, Firework tear can be eased
Just imagine for a while that you are a dog. You can be any kind of dog you want to be, but you are a dog. And you're petrified. You are a petrified dog.
Your heart is racing, pounding in your hairy chest. Your breathing is heavy and laboured. Your legs are like jelly and you can't keep still. You are so scared you are trying to squeeze yourself under the sofa, but you are too big.

You wish you were a smaller dog. You are bursting for the loo, but you daren't go out because Out there in the black night is the evil monster who has been tormenting you for days.  He appears with no warning. A screaming burst of sound and a flash of light, which fills you with dread. Over and over again. You don't know it's just a firework.  Your life is misery. Your owner keeps petting you, which is confusing because you're sure you're not doing the right thing.  When you whine in fear he whines back. Maybe you are supposed to behave like this. Sometimes, when they are really fed up with you, your owner gives you a sedative that leaves you lying, unable to move, but still petrified.

Now be an owner again. The owner of a noise phobic dog. What should you do to counteract your pet's fear of fireworks? Let's start off by getting him tired during the day. Let's have him really sleepy by night. An early evening high carbohydrate meal might help.  Get a Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) plug-in diffuser from your vet.  It has been proven to reduce fearful responses in dogs by up to 80 per cent and should be used from now until a week after Guy Fawkes Night.  Get your dog into a blacked out room at sundown with a few toys and things for you to do as well. Keep him under control.

Don't chastise him for his neurotic behaviour, or reward him for it by petting him. Rather, engage his mind in some form of game and ignore his fearful reactions. Put some music on, preferably with a constant drumbeat.  It doesn't need to be loud, just enough to smooth over the noise from outside.

If you have to take him out, be in control again. Make sure his collar is tight enough that he can't slip it and don't make a fuss. Just go. Whatever you do, don't get all worked up yourself. Take it easy. It will soon be over.

If things are really bad, get some diazepam-type medication from your vet, which reduces anxiety without sedating.
And lastly, remember how bad this time of year is and resolve to speak to your vet about getting a Sounds Scary Desensitisation CD and booklet so that you can start dealing with the problem in a simple, logical, easy manner.

October 23 2003, Daily Record, Fireworks nightmare
In towns and cities across Scotland next week, bonfires will be lit and fireworks set off.
Countless families will take part in a four-century-old old tradition to mark the capture of Guy Fawkes and the end of the gunpowder plot.  We're all for tradition and if there's a bit of fun thrown in, all the better.

But when neds start using bonfire night as an excuse to terrorise neighbourhoods, it's time to take a stand.  Industrial-strength rockets and shells -costing up to £100 each - are being used to create havoc.  Kids are copying them by taping together dozens of smaller fireworks to create one huge explosion.

Phone boxes have been firebombed and police warn it is only a matter of time before someone is killed.  In fairness, the danger has not been ignored. 
New laws to control fireworks-originally put forward by Labour Hamilton South MP Bill Tynan-were passed in September and immediately adopted north of the Border.

They will give councils the power to ban shopkeepers who sell fireworks to kids or peddle what are basically high explosives to members of the public.
But not until next year.

Unfortunately, the legislation came too late to crack down on the thugs who are rapidly turning this firework season into the most dangerous ever.  In the meantime, the courts must throw the book at these bomb-factory neds.  And next year, the law must be used to drive such terrifying, display fireworks off the streets. Then we should all enjoy a spectacular November 5 in safety.

October 23 2003, Daily Record, That's no firework - That's a Bomb
NEDS are terrorising Scotland by turning powerful fireworks into bombs.
Post boxes, phone boxes and even cars have been blown up in recent weeks. The morons have learned that they can create massive explosions by setting off fireworks in confined spaces. And yesterday, the Daily Record watched a gang of them at work.
Acting on a tip-off, our investigators looked on as youths stuffed a £12 rocket into a bin and set it off in a Glasgow park.  The bin was torn to shreds and blown 20 feet into the air, with deadly shrapnel flying in all directions. Any bystander caught in the explosion would have been lucky to survive. And thousands of families and their peace disturbed by a blast heard a mile away.

But it's all good fun to the neds. One of the gang said: "It's boring to follow instructions on fireworks.  "If you know what you're doing you can cause a huge explosion. "We've blown up garden pots and gates. It's all a bit of a laugh."  The gang made their bin bomb with a rocket called a Triple Bang. The remnants of a "Psycho Selection" box of fireworks lay nearby.
Charred
Police fear it is only a matter of time before someone pays with their life for the neds' amusement. Firework blasts in recent weeks have left experienced officers horrified.  In one attack, the door of a phone box was blown 50 feet off its hinges in the centre of Glasgow.
A car in the Whiteinch district was badly damaged when a firework exploded under it.  And four post boxes in the city have been blown up in the last week.
Neds in Edinburgh picked up the habit, lighting a firework and pushing it through the slit of a letter box.  The heavy metal door was hurled 2O feet across the street.  Similar attacks have been reported n Polbeth and Mid Calder, West Lothian.

And the door of a house in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, was badly charred when neds fired a rocket at it. Police said: "This could have been fatal."  A Strathclyde Police source called the attacks "senseless". He added: "We are scared that some innocent passer-by could be seriously injured or even killed.  "What would happen if a man, woman or child was hit?  "And these idiots are putting their own lives at risk. What would happen if their home-made bomb exploded in their car or in their hand?  "They're playing a deadly game, and they'll go to jail if they're caught."

As well as plaguing their communities, the neds are costing taxpayers thousands of pounds. The police insider revealed
that every firework attack has to be treated as a possible act of terrorism.  He said: "Ballistics experts have to be called out as well as scenes of crime officers and photographers.  "And in attacks on mail boxes, Post Office officials have to be called in.  "Every effort must be made to try and identify the authors of the letters that are destroyed.  "These people may think they're just carrying out a Guy Fawkes prank. But each police investigation is costing thousands of pounds, not to mention the cost of the damage."

With Bonfire Night still nearly two weeks away, police across Scotland are already being flooded with calls about firework neds.

Prime Minister Tony Blair said yesterday that the attackers should face "the full severity of the law".  And he praised the new Fireworks Act, which bans the noisiest fireworks and makes it a crime for neds to set off blasts late at night.

But despite the new measures the scale of the problem suggests that illegal fireworks are still freely available to any half-wit who wants them.
Smuggled
Yobs are causing mayhem with fireworks named Predator and Thunderball.  Some bombs are being made with illegal, high-powered rockets costing more than £100.  A few neds even put in extra gunpowder to add to the lethal effect.

More than 5000 people have been injured by fireworks in Britain in the last six years. And recent attacks south of the Border have shown just how far some neds will go.
One gang in Kent tried to shoot down a police helicopter with a firework last month.  And in the same county, nine people had to be taken to hospital when morons threw fireworks at a lorry.
On Merseyside, 27 cars and eight phone boxes have been blown up by fireworks in less than a month.  Gangs have stuffed fireworks into car exhausts and set them alight.  Local police are so sick of the problem that they are demanding a total ban on fireworks.
But tons of illegal fireworks are still being smuggled into the country.  A 60 ton haul was discovered in Wales last month. The stockpile contained more fireworks than were used in London to mark the Millennium.  All were designed to be handled by experts at proper displays. But police are convinced they were destined for the black market-and the neds.

October 23 2003, Free Press, Police Step Up Street Patrols as Fireworks complaints roll in
A CRACKDOWN on firework pests is underway in Stranraer after police were hit with complaints from angry residents at the weekend.  Patrols are to be stepped-up in identified areas in a bid to defuse the problem and catch the late-night culprits.  And police have warned that anyone who flouts the fireworks laws risk a heavy fine -of anything up to £5000.

A police spokesman said, "We have received numerous calls over the past weekend reporting' youths setting off fireworks in various areas throughout Stranraer. "This is a problem encountered every year in the lead up to Guy Fawkes Night and it causes residents in the town no end of stress.  "The dangers of playing with fireworks or letting them off in an uncontrolled area can not be overly stressed".

With Guy Fawkes Night less than two weeks away locals have had their sleep disturbed by thunderous explosions In a number of areas in the town. Most prominent is the seafront and Dick's Hill areas where groups of youths have been witnessed throwing bangers and letting off various high-pitched explosives. Six people have already been charged in connection with firework offences at the east end of the region this year.  Nobody has been caught in the Stranraer area yet though and the level of public unrest is beginning to grow.

The spokesman added, "Safety is the main issue when dealing with fireworks and we would look to take action if there is evidence of anyone letting fireworks off in a dangerous manner or if they are causing annoyance.  "We have problems with this every year and community officers will be carrying out additional patrols in areas where we are receiving complaints. "Along with trading standards officers we have also been carrying out checks with local retailers who sell fireworks to remind them of their responsibilities."

It is an offence for retailers to sell fireworks to anybody under the age of 18 under the Explosives Act 1875.  The same law makes it an offence to throw or discharge a firework in a street or public place.  Fines of up to £5000 can be imposed under the legislation.

Meanwhile warnings have been issued to the public from the emergency services and Trading Standards to beware of where you are buying your fireworks.  Ted Beckley, of Dumfries and Galloway's Trading Standards department, said "Even if it looks like you are getting a better deal, don't be tempted to buy fireworks from an unlicensed supplier. "The bottom line is that fireworks are dangerous. You owe it to your family to make sure that what you buy will be as safe as possible and that can only be done if you buy from a properly licensed trader.  "Don't buy fireworks from the back of a van or someone's garage. You have no way of knowing they have been manufactured to safety standards; they will not have been tested properly and there will be no product liability insurance if someone Is Injured or property is damaged."

Acting Chief Inspector Steven Lowther added, "The fact that anyone found to be storing explosives without a licence can be liable for a fine of up to £5000 shows just how dangerous this can be.  "Someone who puts family and neighbours at risk by storing explosives illegally is not likely to be worried about whether what they are selling you is safe."  Divisional Officer Norrie Davies, of the region's Fire Service said, "Last year there was a drop nationally of 25 per cent in injuries caused by fireworks. That is encouraging but no reason to be complacent.  "Buying fireworks from a proper source, storing them safely until Bonfire Night and making sure they are not given to young children, even when adults are present, are just basic, sensible precautions."

October 23 2003, ic CheshireOnline - Firework gangs on the rampage
ILLEGAL fireworks have been blamed for two massive explosions which destroyed vehicles in Runcorn.
In two separate incidents, bomb squad officers were called to investigate the blasts, which caused massive damage to vehicles and put lives at risk.
A Vauxhall Nova was blown apart in Murdishaw late on Saturday by an industrial-strength firework. The explosion was so powerful that the car was thrown back nine feet, shattering its windows and spraying glass in all directions.
And on Wednesday, again in Murdishaw, a hole 12in wide was blown into Roland Yould's Toyota MPV as it stood on his driveway.
According to its owner, the £4,000 vehicle is now a write-off.
'At about 11pm we heard an horrific bang and thought to ourselves - that was one hell of a firework,' he said.
'But in the morning, my wife discovered the gaping hole in the side of the car and called the police.'
Their neighbour's car was also damaged in the blast.
'To me, it looks like it's been done deliberately,' Mr Yould said. 'The police have got to find out who is supplying these explosives and stop them getting into the wrong hands.'
The attacks came as senior police in Cheshire and Merseyside condemned the sale of industrial fireworks to members of the public.

October 23 2003, ic Coventry - Blair supports fireworks law
People who break new laws brought in following a Coventry-led campaign to ban the misuse of fireworks should face the "full severity of the law", Tony Blair has warned.
The Prime Minister told MPs fireworks were "a real source of anti-social behaviour" and called on everyone to respect the new legislation.
The Fireworks Act follows a Coventry City Council petition to end the nuisance of late-night explosions.
The petition was backed by thousands of people across the city whose neighbourhoods had been plagued with problems for years.
The act was steered through Parliament by MP Bill Tynan (Lab, Hamilton South) and will come into force in time for next year's Bonfire Night.
It will allow the government to ban the use of fireworks during anti-social hours and impose limits on noise levels as well as allowing local authorities to refuse and revoke licences, and create a compulsory training course for operators of public firework displays.
Mr Blair told Mr Tynan: "Fireworks are a real source of anti-social behaviour. It is the reason why the government is supporting the measures in your Bill.
"I hope very much that people realise, particularly in respect of the sale of fireworks to young people, that there are strict laws, they should be upheld and those that do breach them should face the full severity of the law."

October 23 2003, ic Huddersfield - Firework yobs wreck Jean's greenhouse
YOBS have used fireworks to blow up a Huddersfield pensioner's greenhouse.
Jean Smith, of St John's Court, Lepton, was given the greenhouse several years ago by a friend, who died two weeks ago.
Now keen gardener Mrs Smith, 69, is unable to use the greenhouse.
The hooligans struck late at night.
Glass and parts of the wood frame were blown all over the garden and into the road.
Mrs Smith found a cardboard casing from a firework while clearing up glass.
It seems vandals jumped the fence surrounding the garden and kicked in the locked door before throwing in the firework.
The greenhouse is at the top of her long garden, which runs onto Rowley Lane.
Mrs Smith said: "They shouldn't sell fireworks so early.
"It must have been a big firework to blow the greenhouse up."
The incident has been reported to police and Mrs Smith has also spoken to local councillors.
Now, Mrs Smith said the greenhouse is unstable and unusable. Her insurance company is assessing the situation.
She said: "I have used my greenhouse a lot. I had been in it all afternoon on the day of the incident.
"What's the good of getting another greenhouse? They will just do it again. I can't put it anywhere else in the garden, without ruining 11 years of gardening."

October 23 2003, ic Teesside - Find the firebugs who did this
A teenage girl who fled a fierce house fire today called on police to snare the arsonists responsible before they strike again.  The 19-year-old escaped the dramatic blaze in Burnmoor Close, Redcar, after a discarded sofa beneath her bedsit was deliberately torched last month.  Gazette photographer Dave Charnley was first on the scene as the terrified girl screamed for help from a first floor window.
The girl - known as Carla - was today moving into a new flat, just yards away from where the home she'd lived in for six months went up in smoke.  But as well as having to look out on her old wrecked flat every day, she's unhappy that, four weeks on, whoever started the blaze has yet to be caught.
Carla, who won't give her surname for fear of becoming a victim again, told the Gazette: "I'm worried in case it happens again - not only for my own sake, but for other people around here.  "If they are capable of doing it once, they are capable of doing it again.  "People have been telling me they are living in fear.  "They even say they watch the TV with the sound down so they can hear outside.  "The police said at the time someone could be up for attempted murder but from what I've heard, they haven't got anyone for it, even though they've been given names.  "I'm sick that whoever did it seems to be getting away with it and I've lost everything."
Recalling the blaze drama, Carla remembered screaming to Gazette photographer Dave for help.
She said: "I was cooking my tea in the kitchen when I heard noises, like a firework or something.  "As I looked out of my front window, the glass popped with the heat.  "Then I ran into the kitchen and started shouting for help from the window.  "The Gazette photographer was first to try to help.  "He tried to get me to jump down onto a table, but I'm scared of heights and wouldn't do it.  "Then someone arrived with ladders and I climbed down.
"I must admit, I had a go at the photographer when he started taking pictures, but I realise now that he'd tried to help me and there was nothing more he could do. I'm grateful for him helping - I was just in shock, really."
Uninsured Carla, who was left with nothing but the clothes she was wearing, today thanked people who have rallied round to help her.
They include friends, family, Sacred Heart Church, local councillor Brenda Forster and neighbour Theresa Cave, who suffered her own tragedy earlier this year when teenage son Chris was stabbed to death.
Theresa has since begun a petition, calling for the flats to be pulled down.
Carla said: "I totally agree with her. It would be better if they pulled these houses down and started again."
A Cleveland Police spokesman assured her the investigation into the blaze was ongoing and that forensic tests had been carried out.  He also repeated an appeal for anyone with information to contact police.
Coast & Country Housing, which runs Redcar and Cleveland's former council houses, is undertaking a detailed feasibility study about the future of homes on the estate.
Tenants are due to be consulted before any long-term plans are finalised.

October 23 2003, Leeds Today, Bang to rights
TONY Blair has backed a crackdown on firework louts, saying they should face "the full severity of the law."
The PM lent his weight to calls to end the misery caused by the misuse of fireworks throughout the year.
The YEP launched its own Save the Fireworks for Bonfire Night campaign last year after receiving scores of letters and phone calls from fed-up readers.
Mr Blair told MPs yesterday that fireworks were "a real source of anti-social behaviour" and called on everyone to respect new legislation.
The Fireworks Act, successfully steered through Parliament by Labour MP Bill Tynan, will ban the noisiest fireworks and make it an offence to randomly set off fireworks late at night.
Shops will only be allowed to sell fireworks for around three weeks leading up to November 5. People wanting fireworks for cultural festivities will have to go to retailers with a higher form of licence. Mr Blair said: "Fireworks are a real source of anti-social behaviour. I hope people realise, particularly in respect of the sale of fireworks to young people, that there are strict laws, they should be upheld and those that do breach them should face the full severity of the law."
Anne Mawtus, of Armley, Leeds, has been plagued by loud fireworks in recent weeks. She said: "I'm glad they finally seem to be taking the problem seriously and are taking a tough stance."
grant.woodward@ypn.co.uk

October 23 2003, The Whitehaven News, Firework Horror Prompts Call For Greater Controls
THE mother of a Cleator girl who lost an eye from a firework display rocket has pleaded for more safety controls on big open air firework displays such as that planned for Whitehaven Harbourside.
Zoe Thompson, now aged 21, was hit in the left eye by a rocket at a giant bonfire night display in 1994, in Workington. Zoe, whose love of horses has led her to a career as a riding instructor, still gets nervous as Bonfire Night approaches. She lost sight in one eye and does not like to recall the night as a 12 year old she watched the fun at the Workington firework display when "this rocket suddenly shot out, bounced off the side of an ice cream van and struck me in the face.''
After the initial ten days in hospital Zoe has since had to endure regular six monthly return visits to hospital for treatment.
Her mother Janice also had to witness a protracted legal battle which is only now coming to a successful conclusion after a judge ruled in the Thompsons favour. The family had to take their own solicitors to court for a failure to call important evidence to an earlier hearing. Mrs Thompson says: "The judge has now ruled in our favour and they are assessing the award from the solicitors' insurance company.''
At Leeds County Court in May this year his honour judge Grenfell ruled that the Thompson's solicitors, Kevin Commons and Co had been negligent in the way they handled the case. The terms of an award for the family are now being finalised with insurers for the solicitors.
Mrs Thompson doesn't want to see others suffer the way Zoe has, "I believe in this day and age the fireworks used at displays are high explosives and they are such powerful fireworks, anyone using them in a public display should be licensed. My husband drives a bulldozer and needs a special licence, then surely someone setting off explosives in public should certainly need a licence.''
"Dr Thomas Smith, who ran the Millennium and Hong Kong firework shows was in court as an expert witness, he knows of the need for good regulation and control of big events.''
The organisers of Whitehaven's harbourside bonfire and fireworks display, have this year opted to employ the same qualified professional company that conducted the breathtaking fireworks display for the Whitehaven Maritime Festival.
The Whitehaven event is to be held on November 5, with the bonfire starting at 6.30pm and the firework display at 7pm.
The event is organised by Whitehaven's Round Table with help from the Whitehaven Rotary Clubs and the Whitehaven 41 Club. The huge event costs around £5,000 in fireworks and attracted over a thousand spectators last year. Chairman of the Round Table Andy Leslie said the Whitehaven display will be conducted by Highlight Pyrotechnics. Entry will cost £2 for adults and £1 for children.
Sgt Scott McCallum for Whitehaven police said: "We have been in contact with the Round Table and will be co-ordinating public safety matters. In recent weeks we have seen a growing worry of children throwing fireworks at people and property. They are not only committing an offence but increasing the risks of serious injury. Parents should be aware we will not hesitate to take the appropriate action.'' He said officers would be patrolling the crowds at this year's big display.
Last year across England hospitals treated 88 children under five years for injuries.
Next year the government brings in new laws that will make fireworks quieter. The Fireworks Act will enable the government to set a maximum noise limit on fireworks.

October 22 2003, ic CheshireOnline - Bang out of order
GANG of teenage yobs threw fireworks and hurled stones at a police car which had raced to stop them terrorising a neighbourhood.
Between 20 and 30 young thugs forced crimefighters to summon backup during the disturbance in the Wharton area of Winsford.
Police were called out to Willow Square on the Crook Lane Estate after a report of youths setting off fireworks near the Spar store on Sunday night at about 9pm.
But when the yobs targeted the patrol car, officers were forced to call in reinforcements.
Now the Community Action Team (CAT) has vowed to get tough with firework-throwing thugs.
Sgt Ian Wood said: 'We will be out there patrolling to identify the culprits and arrest them.
'They began to throw fireworks at the police car, then they threw bottles and stones. As a result of this, the officers left the area and called in back-up.
'They returned with back-up but were unable to catch the youths.'
He added: 'Shopkeepers need to be more careful who they sell fireworks to.
'A firework could easily go off in their hands, or if they are thrown at someone there could be a serious injury, and not necessarily to the intended victim - a firework could easily hit one of the throwers' friends.'
Spar manager Terry Uppal said: 'We don't sell fireworks, because it is not worth it. But it's the same every year, with kids throwing fireworks around like on Sunday night.'
Wharton has long been a hotspot for gangs of youths, who have vandalised Wharton Health Clinic, Christ Church, the play area and Willow Wood Infant and Junior Schools.
The Crook Lane Estate in particular is well-known for problems with youths, especially in the run-in to bonfire night. Yobs terrorise the neighbourhood, sometimes fighting running battles with fireworks.
Resident Nick Carter said: 'The vandals have been having a field day. They've been having firework fights in the streets, throwing rockets.
'Some of the fireworks are quite powerful and they could really do some damage. Kids as young as 10 or 12 are getting their hands on fireworks, so they are either being allowed to buy them or people are getting them for them.
'There is no fun in bonfire night anymore.'

October 22 2003, ic SurreyOnline - Arsonists strike at car outside home
DRIVER is thankful that material possessions were the only things destroyed by arsonists who torched his car.
Tony Howard of Herontye Drive, East Grinstead, became the latest victim in a spate of attacks this year when his Citroen Zantia was left burnt out last Monday.
Mr Howard, a computer consultant, was woken by an alarm sounding at around 2.15am.
He said: "The car alarm went off and I ran downstairs thinking it was the house alarm. When it didn't stop, I looked outside and saw flames."
Police officers had already arrived at the house when Mr Howard went outside - they had seen the flames by chance as they were passing in a patrol car.
Mr Howard had bought the four-year-old diesel car in March, and had repaired it and put it through its MOT just the day before it was torched.
The car also contained more than £4,000 worth of camera equipment as well as some computer equipment.
Mr Howard said the material loss was not the major worry.
He said: "A car is just a lump of metal - and it has been a large inconvenience. However, the big thing is, it could have been so much worse.
"The front of the car was only about a foot away from the garage door. My wife and I are divers. We had a number of pressure cylinders in there. It could have been awful.
"What we think happened was that someone had broken off the filter cap and stuck a firework down it."
If anyone has any information contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.

October 22 2003, ManchesterOnline - News, Thugs fire rocket at soccer players
SOCCER players had to duck when louts fired a rocket onto the pitch.

The attack happened during an FA Youth Cup first round match between Stockport County and Carlisle United at County's Edgeley Park.

Thugs outside the ground aimed the half-metre rocket into the crowded penalty box as Carlisle were about to take a corner. Amazingly, it landed in the six-yard box without hitting anyone.

The game was stopped briefly while the rocket was removed from the pitch.

Both sides were stunned by the attack, which is being investigated by County's safety officer Gordon Taylor.

Explosion
Carlisle spokesman Phil Holmes said: "A corner was about to be taken and most of the players were waiting in the penalty box. Suddenly they started ducking and there was a massive explosion.

"The game stopped and one of the players cleared the rocket from the pitch.
"Whoever fired it was outside the ground and was able to see what was happening on the pitch before they aimed it The rocket was not fired into the sky to land in the penalty area by chance. It came into the ground in a straight line. Whoever fired it knew what they were aiming at and had decided to fire it over the fence and into the ground."
Carlisle have not mentioned the incident to the football authorities as they expect the referee or County to raise the matter.

The MEN is calling for a ban on over-the-counter sales of fireworks, except to organisers of licensed displays. We believe it is the only way to end the noise, distress and injury caused by fireworks.

October 22 2003, Sheffield Today, Tough line against firework hooligans
TOUGH action has been promised against parents who let their kids run amok with fireworks on a South Yorkshire council estate.
The warning comes after a recent incident in Maltby when a house on the Birks Holt estate was severely damaged when a firework was left in the porch.
As a result of that, letters have now been sent to all residents in the area warning that police and local authority action will be taken against offenders.
Police have pledged to take criminal action and the council have threatened anti-social behaviour orders against offenders.
Local authority officials warn that if offenders turn out to be children of council tenants, then action will be also taken against the parents for breaching tenancy agreements.
There have again been widespread problems across South Yorkshire this year with powerful fireworks being used to blow-up phone boxes and cars.
A council spokesman said: "We do not want to be seen as killjoys on the subject of fireworks but have been forced to act because of the Maltby incident.
"This was extremely foolish and could have resulted in a serious personal injury and put the lives of the occupants at risk.
"We are very worried about incidents such as this and fireworks have also been a general nuisance problem over the past couple of years."
Coun Sue Ellis added: "The vast majority of young people do not cause any problems, but unfortunately there is a minority who use fireworks as yet another means to cause grief for the rest of the population.
"Although the new Fireworks Act is not operational this year, Rotherham Council is doing all it can alleviate the problems caused by misuse of fireworks each year.
"We are working hard to try to get effective regulations for next year's event.
"Bonfire Night should be an enjoyable occasion for all the family.
"But we will not hesitate taking action against those who decide not to use fireworks safely and sensibly."

October 22 2003, Tameside Advertiser - News, Victims want fireworks ban
A DEAF elderly couple are calling for a complete ban on firework sales after a terrifying attack at their home.
John and Doreen Johnson say they are lucky to have only suffered minor burns after a rogue firework shot into their home on Lodge Close in Dukinfield.
And now the pair, who are both profoundly deaf, are calling for a complete ban on fireworks in the hope of preventing any similar incidents in the future.
"I think fireworks should be banned altogether. What happened to us was shocking and I am just thankful that neither of us was seriously hurt, " Doreen, aged 60, said.
John, who suffered burns on his hands and face, said they had just sat down to dinner when he thought he heard someone ring the doorbell at about 4.30pm on 16 October.
When he opened the door he was confronted by two youths who then sent a blazing firework into the couple's home.
He said the firework - a three-foot long roman candle - flew past him and then ricocheted off the walls, doors and ceilings before flying into the living room and narrowly missing Doreen's head.
She said: "I couldn't believe the quickness of the firework from John going to the door and opening it and then it was rebounding around the room."
"We were very, very lucky because it could have been a lot worse."
County fire officer Barry Dixon said: "This is the type of incident that makes decent people sick to the bottom of their stomachs. Despite the efforts of local authorities and emergency service workers warning of the dangers of fireworks we still come across incidents such as this."
Two youths, aged 15 and 16-years, have now been questioned by police about the incident. They have been released on police bail pending further enquires.