A BURY MP has helped light the touchpaper in the campaign to ban shops from selling potentially killer fireworks.

David Chaytor is urging his Bury North constituents to write to the Department of Trade and Industry prior to the end of the consultation period for the 2004 fireworks regulations.

This week, the MP came face-to-face with the giant category three fireworks which he wants banned from sale to the general public.

He said: "I've just been made aware of these huge category three fireworks, which cost £50 and which are still on sale to the general public in Bury.

"June 30 is the closing date for consultation on the 2004 fireworks regulations. I want to urge any of my constituents who feel strongly about this issue to write to the Department of Trade and Industry."

Mr Chaytor is also backing a move to reduce the noise levels of fireworks to a maximum of 95 decibels.

"For the sake of analysis, the noise of a jet engine 100 metres away is 120 decibels while a pneumatic drill for digging up the roads is 100 decibels. Bringing this down to 95 decibels is not unreasonable," he said.

Mr Chaytor is worried that such fireworks could fall into the hands of young people who could attempt to set them off. Ideally, the category three fireworks are meant for displays.

"Across the country, trading standards and environmental health departments are uniting to press for a ban on the retail sale to individuals of these category three fireworks and a reduction of decibels," he said.

"This does not impact upon spectator displays. Fireworks are wonderful things and we have to take into account the pleasure they bring to millions. However, the question is how we manage them and use them.

"I think action taken last year has now paved the way for further restrictions which will ensure people can carry on enjoying fireworks, but in a far safer environment."