I HAVE already read about an old lady's flat being burned out (the occupant lucky to escape) because of a large rocket smashing through her window, also a case of a dog badly injured by fireworks, and at least three firefighters slightly injured while on duty.

Add to these events the odd car or two burned out by fireworks, damage done by fireworks through letter boxes, and the horrific noise, almost nightly, by loud, banging fireworks, causing distress to animals and humans, especially the elderly, and you can only reach one conclusion -- that is, fireworks are now unsafe in the majority of people's hands and should be banned, except for November 5 Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Night celebrations.

Fireworks were never in the past a part of welcoming in the New Year, or to bring to an end a carnival or concert etc, and it is time we returned to the custom of the November 5 celebration and leaving it at that. The sale of fireworks could then be restricted to one week before November 5, and not at any other times.

Local councils could also help by issuing licences for organised displays valid only for November 5, and not, as it seems they do now, for almost any date the applicant asks for, as you see Bonfire/Fireworks parties advertised for November 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, so as not to clash with each other.

If we must have fireworks at times other than November 5, then sales of them should be restricted to organised displays, the purchaser of the fireworks producing a licence for the display when buying the fireworks.

Given the amount of damage to property, the distress caused, and even the danger to life, these things must be put out of reach of the general public.

M Isherwood

Tyldesley Road

Atherton