ANIMAL-LOVERS could see an end to their firework nightmares after a campaign backed by MP Ann Cryer finally won Government support.

Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson has pledged Government support to a bill to restrict fireworks, boosting the chances of it becoming law.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association worked with Bill Tynan MP, who submitted the bill to restrict the noise levels, sale and use of fireworks.

The association collected 50,000 names on a petition and more than 100 MPs had pledged to endorse the bill.

Miss Johnson said: "The bill aims to put an end to neighbourhood nuisance and anti-social behaviour that is so often seen around bonfire night and beyond, and I welcome it wholeheartedly."

Mrs Cryer, who has been inundated with letters complaining about fireworks, has supported the bill from the outset. She believed there should be a significant control of fireworks.

She said: "At the moment the situation with regard to the use of fireworks in the Keighley area is not acceptable, and many people have complained to me that their quality of life is affected by the loud noises that are produced by fireworks."

She added that it was illegal to deliberately frighten an animal with fireworks under earlier laws. She urged the public to report such people to the RSPCA or police. And trading standards officers should be informed of those who illegally sold fireworks to people under age.

Robin Hutchinson, head of communications for the Guide Dogs Association, has welcomed the Government support.

He said: "The association has been overwhelmed with support for this campaign -- ranging from pet owners and elderly people to parents with young families.

"It is important to stress that we are not talking about banning fireworks, but striking a balance between not ruining people's fun, but not ruining some people's lives either."

He added that every year many guide dogs and other working dogs had to be sedated, retrained or sometimes retired due to being traumatised by fireworks. Sometimes owners could be left without mobility for several weeks.

One Utley resident wrote to the Keighley News last month to complain about the extent of the use of fireworks.

He said: "Don't these people realise the distress that this unnecessary and untimely noise can cause to people who are ill or otherwise vulnerable, not to mention domestic pets, farm livestock and wildlife?

"Also, it is an invasion of people's space by interfering with their right to the peaceful enjoyment of their properties. What right have these thoughtless people to intrude their noise on the whole neighbourhood?"

He was also worried that the use of fireworks was becoming more commonplace throughout the year and that some people tried to add to their own self-importance by setting off fireworks after most others had stopped.

He added: "The situation is becoming intolerable and, sadly, I feel that the sale of fireworks to the general public will, sooner or later, have to be banned."