EAST Lancashire's MPs fear new laws to curb the misuse of fireworks are failing after residents were plagued by yobs months before Bonfire Night.

They are urging the Government to get tougher after being stunned by the number of complaints already received at the height of summer.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope is to press Ministers to further toughen the legislation.

He said: "The misuse of fireworks is causing misery for people and we are still eight weeks away from Bonfire Night.

"I've already had a number of complaints from constituents regarding the anti-social use of fireworks. Of particular concern are 'big bang' fireworks which frighten animals and the elderly.

"The new law doesn't seem to have worked very well if the number of complaints I've received since then are anything to go by.

"If it is causing a problem now it is a reasonable bet that things will get worse as November 5 gets nearer."

Tom Beresford, 61, who lives with his wife Margaret, also 61, in Oswaldtwistle, said the fireworks had started going off near his home in July.

He said: "It happens every year. This is the earliest I have ever known it and it will go on now right through until New Year. They are going off every Friday night.

"I don't want to spoil anyone's fun but they should only be sold three to five days before Bonfire Night, or even just to people organising official fireworks displays."

Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson said: "We have a problem with the misuse of fireworks every year.

"We have introduced legislation but I was disappointed the full impact does not come in until January."

In August this year the Government imposed a curfew between 11pm and 7 am for the use of fireworks except for Bonfire Night when it will be midnight and Diwali, the Chinese New Year and New Year's Eve when it will start at 1am.

In addition a maximum noise limit of 120 decibels has been imposed on fireworks for general sale to the public. People who break the law or let off fireworks in public places could face fines of £5,000 or six months in prison. Similar penalties will apply to shopkeepers who sell the devices to under 18s.

Under 18s are not allowed to possess fireworks in public places will also face prosecution and hopefully speeding style fixed penalty notices which the Department of Trade and Industry, the Home Office and police are currently working on introducing next year.

On January 1, a licensing system will come into place governing shops that sell fireworks all year round aimed at preventing yobs getting hold of fireworks away from November 5 and major festivals.

Now newsagents and other general stores can only sell fireworks from October 15 in the immediate run up to Bonfire Night.