A CAMPAIGN group is ramping up its efforts against the scourge of fireworks in Bradford with a protest outside City Hall.

The Bradford4Better group has been working to tackle the problem for some months, encouraging people to sign a petition and contacting the police, MPs and councillors.

The group is now even more determined to make a difference after a bombardment of fireworks let off in the Manchester Road/Parkside Road area of Bradford on Sunday night caused misery for residents.

The ear-splitting racket could be heard almost seven miles away in Birstall, according to one resident who did not wish to be named.

Inayah Sher, founder of the Bradford4Better group, said: "We were fearful of something happening, because it can cause injuries. It's absolutely unacceptable. Whoever has done this - they are self centred, they are selfish, they have no concern for anything but themselves."

She said people had been leaving comments on the Bradford4Better group, with some people comparing it to the blitz. One Syrian refugee said their children were frightened and thought Bradford was being attacked by bombs.

The group would like to see a full investigation carried out and said it is determined to support people to challenge the "antisocial and menacing" behaviour.

The protest will be held outside City Hall on Saturday, August 17, between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

"We are hoping we can raise awareness - especially to those who are causing this sort of disruptive behaviour, like what they are doing," said Ms Sher. It's not some joke - it has gone beyond a joke - it's causing a lot of distress to people.To many, it's a nightmare, it's distressing them."

The Bradford4Better group can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/Bradford4Better. People can also sign the petition by visiting www.change.org/p/firework-nuisance-please-sign-and-share-our-petition-throughout-england

After Sunday night's drama, West Yorkshire Police said: "West Yorkshire Police works closely with partners to tackle anti-social behaviour and people can report such matters using the 101 non-emergency number or through the reporting options on the West Yorkshire Police website."

The gov.uk website has clear guidelines on the use of fireworks. It states that it is against the law to set them off between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night (12am cut off) and New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year (1am cut off)

People are also only allowed to buy fireworks from registered sellers for private use on October 15-November 10, December 26-31 and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. The website also warns that you can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.