WIGAN Council's campaign to restrict firework sales has got people's backing.

A hotline calling for views on moves to get the government to tackle the problem of noisy fireworks and extended November 5 celebrations attracted 100 replies.

All but one person said the period for fireworks sales was too long and celebrations should take place over a maximum of two days. Many also wanted sales to the public banned altogether, with only organised licensed displays being allowed to take place.

And there was strong support for the idea that manufacturers should be forced to reduce the noise made by fireworks to avoid the deafening airbomb explosions which many believe get worse every year.

Regulation committee chairman Cllr David Molyneux said: "Clearly there's already a lot of support for action, and I am grateful to those residents who responded on our hotline, as well as local MPs who are supporting us."

Wigan councillors have already called on local MPS and other councils in the region to back their campaign.

Now the Metro is to ask it's citizen's panel of 2,000 residents for their views, which should provide a more scientific sample of local public opinion. The results will be published in January. and will be used to influence the government to bring in stricter controls.

Cllr Molyneux added: "I hope that once we get the results from the citizens' panel it will give us the ammunition to make a compelling case to the government for stricter controls. We have to act now before matters get totally out of hand."