WITH the annual fireworks scourge of frightening illegal explosions making itself even more evident this year -- as police in East Lancashire report a 'drastic' rise in incidents -- there is bound to be support for the imminent new law to curb the menace.
The new Fireworks Act, inspired by Scottish MP Bill Tynan's private member's bill, will bring in 11pm curfews on the use of fireworks and impose restrictions on the noise they make.
It will not be in place in time to curb this year's pre-Bonfire Night nuisance that is already making life hell for hundreds of people and their pets. But is it enough?
For one key control that it lacks and which many people want is a ban on their sale to the public.
Organised fireworks displays and bonfires are the best and safest way to enjoy the November 5 tradition. But a total ban on fireworks sales to the public would make them the only outlet for Bonfire Night celebrations.
And that would put an end to a lot of fun that families and neighbours have at their own 'back garden' fireworks events.
Can a safe balance be achieved that would allow private fireworks fun to continue, but also put an end to the annual mayhem of fireworks being wrongly and dangerously let off for weeks before Bonfire Night?
Perhaps, the government is also promising to tighten the restrictions on the sale of fireworks in the future. And if it moved to limit their sale to, say, just three days before November 5, there could still be lots of fun -- and much less nuisance than now.
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