BAN THE BOMBS! ROCKETING complaints about extended firework festivities have prompted councillors to call for new curbs.

Wigan councillors are spearheading a campaign to persuade the government to tackle the problems of noisy fireworks and longer celebrations.

And the public have until tomorrow evening to add their complaints on a telephone hotline.

Members of the Regulation Committee are to ask MPs and other councils in the area to back a move to cut the length of time that fireworks are on sale and place tighter restrictions on the availability of deafening 'airbombs'.

Committee chairman, Cllr David Molyneux, said: "The government must act now to reduce the level of disturbance at this time of year.

"The council's own powers are limited to policing under age sales and checking that fireworks meet specific safety standards.

"We must try to persuade the government that it is time for change.

"This is not about spoiling people's fun - it is a serious public protection issue. At a time of heightened security it seems incredible that some fireworks which are potentially offensive weapons can be sold in such quantities."

A national code of practice urges retailers not to sell fireworks more than three weeks before November 5 and then only for a few days afterwards.

Cllr Molyneux said: "We think that three weeks is too long for fireworks to be on sale, and we are still concerned about the seeming ease with which young people can obtain some potentially very dangerous fireworks."

What do you think? Ring the answerphone hotline on 01942 827656 until 5pm Friday (November 23).