Another Guy Fawkes night has been and gone.

We wish it were so simple.

Many people get pleasure out of organised firework displays, but an equal number don't.

November 5 in recent years has started in September and sporadic explosions continue after Guy Fawkes celebrations, reaching a crescendo again as the year draws to a close.

The midnight rocket released in the odd back garden years ago would be laughed at now by a society seemingly engrossed in serious pyrotechnics. Sparklers and the family selection aren't as desirable as they were in the days when Standard and Brock ruled the roost.

There are some cracking displays and some amazing fireworks. But why do most of them have to end with an ear-splitting BANG?

Without wishing to be labelled 'spoilsports', we believe it is time to call a halt and support the views expressed by a former mayor.

A glance through the early pages of your Journal this week will underline the dangers fireworks pose and the pain and anguish they can cause.

Organised displays and proper supervision are a must, but we would also like to see moves to prevent the sale of super-strength fireworks to unlicensed individuals.