"STREET terrorists" are making people's lives a misery by setting off fireworks for weeks on end.

That was the claim of Tory councillor Yvonne Wright, who called for a ban on firework sales in Bury outside October 29 and December 31 each year.

She also wanted to restrict the sale of the most explosive fireworks to organised displays.

"Why should we all have to suffer window-shaking explosions for weeks on end from late September?" she asked at the latest full council meeting.

"They terrify young and old alike, cause distress for animals, and lead to unnecessary calls to the 999 services.

"There were 181 people injured last year in the North West. The yob culture should be discouraged and the police given powers to deal harshly with those street terrorists."

Councillor Derek Boden, deputy council leader, said Bury did not have the power to prohibit the sale of fireworks, although he sympathised with her aims.

"It's not just the period that fireworks are used, but the kind of fireworks they are," he said. "Many of them are like military pyrotechnics."

The council did agree to discuss the matter at a future executive committee, with a view to putting pressure on the Government to change the law.