FIREWORKS are a tradition dating back hundreds of years which enthral thousands.

Even Chief Superintendent John Thompson, one of those calling for them to be banned to the public, recognises their entertainment value although he stressed that the public should attend professional displays only.

Plus, contests consumer minister Melanie Johnson, said banning the public from buying them will only push the industry underground and create a black market.

And as Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans points out, businesses could suffer from what is a regular part of their income at this time of year.

Mr Evans, whose family owns a shop in Swansea which sells fireworks, added: "I don't support any ban on fireworks. However shopkeepers who break the law regarding the sale of fireworks, should face prosecution and be banned from selling fireworks."

Melanie Johnson, who is responsible for fireworks in her role as consumer minister, said a total ban on fireworks could prove counter-productive.

She added that her department was due to revise its legislation on fireworks in the coming months although a total ban would not likely to be forthcoming.

She said: "On balance, banning the sale of fireworks to the public would not work.

"It would prevent many people from enjoying family bonfire parties and would risk driving fireworks underground.

"There are always people who will get hold of things illegally and this would create a black market on fireworks or lead to the importation of fireworks which are not up to British Standard.

"It could also lead people to make their own fireworks which would be even more dangerous."

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services, which dealt with almost 1,000 incidents in the run-up to Bonfire Night, said banning the sale of them would cause the public to look elsewhere.

He added: "Fireworks could be imported illegally which would produce a black market, difficult to police.

"I'm sure banning fireworks would lead to such things."

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