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Firework Nuisance

Mr. Cardew put up his hands to protect his face, but he suffered such severe burns that he was unable to call the police himself. A Northamptonshire police spokesman said:"““Not only was this a careless and stupid act, it underlines the danger that fireworks in the wrong hands can injure or even kill someone.””" I am sorry to tell the Minister that despite the extra restrictions brought in by the recent fireworks legislation, far too many fireworks are ending up in the wrong hands. Even fireworks that end up in responsible hands do much damage, not only disturbing the night’s sleep of young children, particularly when fireworks are let off in areas covered by housing estates, but causing alarm, distress and harassment to animals, both domestic pets and wild animals. Animals are killed by fright caused by fireworks. Very young children are often scared witless by the loud bangs in neighbouring properties. Here we are, in 2006, effectively allowing explosives into the hands of people who are not acting responsibly towards their neighbours and causing much alarm, harassment and distress to their neighbours and to animals living nearby. My plea to the Minister on behalf of my constituents and the readers of the Evening Telegraph is please to take on board the message and the growing level of concern. Let us have licensed displays by all means. Let us enjoy fireworks in a responsible way for a limited period of the year, but now is the time to ban the retail sale of fireworks so that we can get a grip on the problem.