A COUNCILLOR today called for a by-law to ban the sale of fireworks after she was bombarded with air bombs in her car.

Lanehead councillor Paula Riley called for members of Burnley Council's Executive to support the request for Lancashire County Council to introduce a by-law to ban the sale of fireworks in shops.

She was pelted with air bombs as she was driving home along Briercliffe Road.

Paula, 56, said: "It was a terrifying experience having explosives thrown at you. I contacted the police who spoke to the youths, but these are lethal weapons when they get into the wrong hands.

"These were only young children of about ten or 11 who just thought it was a bit of fun - but fun can turn into disaster when you play with fire and it will only be a matter of time before somebody is seriously injured or killed.

"If I was older or of a nervous disposition I would have swerved my car and caused a serious accident which is no fun in anybody's mind."

"Elderly people have been confined to their own homes because they are frightened to go out and animals are also suffering.

"This council has got to get tough on this subject, we put things off and put them off until somebody is seriously injured. We should listen to what other town councils are doing and follow their lead by introducing a by-law to prevent their sale."

Paula has appealed to the County Council to introduce a by-law that prevents the sale of fireworks before November 1 and which can only be sold to official organisers.

Paula added: "I don't want to be a stick-in-the mud but we have been pestered by the banging since September which is not on. At least this way youngsters will still have fun but it will be a lot safer."