FIREWORKS are a traditional method of celebration in many cultures. In Britain in 2001, however, for a large part of the population, and especially the elderly, fireworks are far from that.
They have come to mean seasonal misery, domestic disruption and fear as yobs use them as another way to cause mayhem.
Two years ago, this newspaper campaigned to have fireworks banned for private use. Bolton Council also made pleas to Government, with pressure from local MPs.
Now -- on the day that fireworks officially go on sale -- the Department of Trade and Industry launches its annual firework safety campaign. It is concentrating on trying to prevent injuries to teenagers, who are most at risk.
An all-party group of MPs, including Bolton's David Crausby and Dr Brian Iddon, believes that this campaign does not go far enough. It is calling for a total ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public, and we fully agree.
Each year, there are more injuries, and more letters to local MPs from comstituents whose pets are traumatised by the incessant noise of fireworks, and from frightened elderly people.
Today may be the first official day of firework sale, but fireworks have been going off around the Bolton area for the last few weeks. This obviously raises questions about who is actually selling fireworks so early.
It is naive to believe that fireworks are simply used on November 5th as part of Bonfire Night activities. Increasingly, they are used throughout the year for domestic milestones like birthdays and weddings.
Unfortunately, they are also another "weapon" in the arsenal of local yobs who are hell-bent on upsetting as many people as possible in the name of "fun." Theirs, not anybody else's.
We are not against the spectacle of organised displays, nor against the innocent pleasures of Bonfire Night.
But, we are against the distress that fireworks in the hands of the selfish and stupid can cause.
We urge everyone to back this latest all-party move, and show the Government that a complete sales' ban is vital.
It is the only way to prevent further upset for local residents, and cut the number of seasonal injuries.
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