A NEW police operation has been launched to clamp down on seasonal problems caused by fireworks.

Last year police in Eastern Division, which includes Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, were called to 32 incidents involving fireworks in the weekend leading up to Bonfire Night.

And Chief Superintendent John Thompson, divisional commander for Eastern Division, called for tighter legislation on the sale of fireworks, including a complete ban on newsagents selling them, to halt the annual drain on officers' time.

A firework contingency plan called Operation Enlighten has been launched for this year's build up to Bonfire Night with aims to:

Reduce incidents involving juvenile nuisance, noise and damage from fireworks.

Target premises selling fireworks and or alcohol to under-age youngsters.

Reassure the public with high visibility activity and increase satisfaction and confidence in the police.

Educate children in relation to firework problems.

The first stage towards these targets has already begun with PC Gail Lyon, youth liaison officer, visiting primary and secondary schools to speak to children about the dangers associated with fireworks.

Sgt Claire Holbrook, co-ordinator for Accrington Police, said: "The emphasis of this will be on the distress caused to elderly people and animals, using real life examples to make the points. But parents also have a responsibility in terms of not allowing their children to have fireworks."

In a bid to stop youngsters buying fireworks, outlets will be sent letters explaining the legalities both in storing and selling. This will be followed by a personal visit.

Police, working with Trading Standards, will also carry out test purchasing using underage children.

Sgt Holbrook said: "If the public are aware that fireworks are being sold to under-age children, we need them to highlight the offending shops so we can make sure they are targeted."

Police are working in partnership with other agencies such as the fire brigade, trading standards, local authorities and residents' associations.

Insp Phil Cottam said: "I am aware of the problems experienced last year in the run up to bonfire night.

"People who wish to use fireworks should only do so in a safe environment, never in a public place and never in circumstances which cause distress to others.

"In addition the police will be adopting a very firm line this year in relation to those who misuse fireworks and I welcome the introduction of 'Operation Enlighten' in this respect."