The annual campaign to halt the illegal sale of fireworks is with us again.
Throughout the country countless thousands if not millions of pounds will be spent 'policing' the sale of fireworks and treating the growing number of people injured by them.
It is not a case of anyone being a kill-joy or wanting to end the excitement that goes with a spectacular organised display.
It is the simple fact that the fun has now been taken out of bonfire night. Fireworks are now a cause of year round noise pollution, anti-social behaviour, and the misuse of them is seriously affecting the quality of life of countless people.
What beggars all belief is the fact that with this knowledge in mind there are numerous traders who are more than willing to flout the law and sell fireworks illegally.
They should be on their guard. For from this weekend around a dozen trained youngsters who all look well under the legal limit of 18 years old will be making test purchases at shops, directed by trading standards officers.
Before anyone gets on their high horse about this tactic, it has to be stressed they will not be trying to trick or provoke the traders.
It is to be hoped that when trading standards take legal action - as surely they will - the courts back them up with the maximum sentences. A six months spell in jail would drive the message home.
It is now clear that such action is needed as well as both national and local government using whatever powers they already have at their disposal; combined with new legislation to end this menace in our society.
The misuse of fireworks has gone well beyond the stage of a prank. Some brands which shoot out explosive balls are being deliberately pointed at people.
The yobs would not be able to do this had they not been sold them in the first place. We can play our part by answering the appeal and shopping suspected traders.
Don't hesitate - pick up the phone.
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