A FIREWORKS trader is fighting a High Court battle over a government crackdown on the sale of bangers.

Howard Garman, trading as Celebration Fireworks on the Bealey Industrial Estate, is seeking a judicial review of firework safety regulations drawn up on September 23, banning a large number of bangers.

The regulations, brought in by the President of the Board of Trade, Margaret Beckett, could have a dire effect on trade in the days leading up to Guy Fawkes night, making a severe dent in Mr Garman's projected £380,000 profit.

On Wednesday, in London's High Court, Mr Justice McCullough adjourned the hearing of the case until later this week to allow government lawyers an opportunity to put their case.

Outside court Mr Garman's counsel, Wendy Outhwaite, said the new regime had been brought in "very quickly".

Most fireworks retailers had bought in stocks early in the year with the result that Mr Garman, and others like him, had been "caught with a large supply of fireworks which they cannot now sell".

She criticised the ban as "arbitrary and rushed", also claiming that the regulations would allow the continued sale of more dangerous incendiaries, while doing away with less hazardous bangers.

Mr Garman claims the Government has frustrated his "legitimate expectation" that he would be allowed to sell bangers he stocked up on before the ban. He also disputes that a ban on some types of banger will have any effect on "reducing injuries or promoting human safety."

Mr Garman is challenging the legality of the regulations. His case was adjourned until today (October 24).

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