Firework action, at last

9.18.25am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 6th Aug 2004

Action at last against late night fireworks

A ban on fireworks between 2300 and 0700 is being introduced by the government this weekend to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.

Exceptions have been made to the ban for major events such as New Year's Eve and bonfires on 5 November. The measures also make it illegal for anyone under 18 to carry fireworks in public places.

The fireworks curfew has penalties of up to a £5,000 fine and six months' jail.

Shops cannot sell fireworks louder than 120 decibels under the new laws.

New Year displays will be allowed to continue until 0100, but Bonfire Night fires must be out by midnight.

Brunswick & Adelaide Councillor Paul Elgood welcomed the implementation of the law. Paul said: 'Areas such as Brunswick Square and Palmeira Square are plagued by fireworks during the summer months. Often people let them off late at night and in close proximity to homes. Animals are scared and people woken up.

'We want to see the thorough enforcement of this curfew to put an end to this problem.'

Lib Dem Councillors Paul Elgood and David Watkins have lobbied for the introduction of such laws to end this menace.