PLANS for a crackdown on dangerous fireworks have been welcomed in Bolton.

As reported in last night's BEN, consumer affairs minister Nigel Griffiths announced wide-ranging reforms of the law to come into force before Guy Fawkes night this year.

The new rules will ban large bangers, jumping crackers and aerial shells, and fireworks which do not meet the regulations.

The minimum age for buying fireworks will rise from 16 to 18 and action will be taken to stop shopkeepers breaking boxes up and selling single fireworks.

Bolton South East Labour MP Brian Iddon, well known for his chemistry displays using explosives, welcomed the plans.

Mr Iddon said: "Injuries have reached an all-time high. As a chemist, I have never understood strict regulations applying to chemicals in the workplace did not also apply to fireworks."

The danger of fireworks was witnessed only last year when two Bolton bonfire parties ended in horror.

A young mum and her baby suffered burns when they were hit by an air bomb at a display outside the Hare and Hounds pub in Stoneclough. Landlord Martin Howlin vowed never to organise another firework display.

And 10 people were taken to hospital after a firework shot into a crowd at the Lostock Arms pub.

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