An MP has called for fireworks to be banned - apart from at public displays - claiming it will ease the burden on emergency services.

As bonfire night fast approaches Bradford West MP Marsha Singh, along with 38 cross-party MPs, has signed an early day motion calling on the Government to legislate against a complete ban on the sale of private fireworks.

The motion says fireworks cause continued distress to residents and pets and while the sale of fireworks has been restricted to New Year and a three-week period around Bonfire Night, the number of people "abusing" fireworks is "far too high".

The MPs call for a complete ban on the private sale of fireworks except for organised displays where a licence can be granted by local authorities.

Mr Singh said: "I have received many complaints over the years about fireworks and they cause a nuisance and are a burden on the emergency services. I do not see the need for them. People can enjoy them at public displays.

"They interfere with the quality of people's lives.

"They cause a lot of accidents and public displays would rule out the number of accidents and I just do not see a need for them all year round."

Keighley MP Ann Cryer, who also signed the motion, said many were a "nuisance" with some sounding like "bombs going off".

But while people should enjoy fireworks she believes more needs to be done about changing the law regard to the decibel limit and illegal selling to under-18s.

She said: "I can live with them being used at private parties if they are used safely, but we must encourage shopkeepers to ensure they are not being sold to under-18s and if necessary prosecute."

Bradford North MP Terry Rooney said retailers selling to underage buyers needed to be clamped down on.

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe was involved in drawing up the firework legislation in 2003 as part of his then role as consumer minister.

He said: "I will be looking at what happens this year in regard to accident numbers and although I am open-minded at the moment, I believe we should look at professional exhibitions as opposed to private parties as with all the best intentions things can go wrong."

Ministers gave police new powers to give on-the-spot fines to people who throw fireworks, along with those who set them off outside permitted hours and shopkeepers who sell them to under-18s, in January 2004. Penalties can be issued for throwing fireworks, breaches of curfews and illegal possession.

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