WHAT a world of do-gooders we have now, such as Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson, who rejected calls for a ban on fireworks.

I bet she lives in her own little cocoon, like many more MPs and people who, but for the likes of Joe Public, wouldn't be where they are on the ladder of fame and fortune.

She and her contemporaries haven't got a clue as to what some people have to put up with. Fireworks are all right for the night in question, but not every night for months on end. There should be a ban on people buying fireworks so early, unless they are for an event, or organised display.

Stockists should be heavily fined if found to be selling fireworks so far in advance, as many people seem to jump on the bandwagon of making a quick profit, opening any garage or shop they can find short-term.

Lots of animals are frightened by the fireworks, which, in some cases, are not far short of explosions, and I think that something should be done about it.

Mrs D Carey

(Address supplied)