TRADING standards officials are calling for a complete ban on the sale of single fireworks following a rise in complaints from the public.

Last year 35 people complained about youngsters causing problems with fireworks compared to 25 the previous year.

Chris Cheetam, Lancashire finance and general purpose chairman, said: "This year has been a bumper year for fireworks with some fine displays both at the traditional time in November and around the Millennium.

"However, one of the age old problems which we thought the Government had solved by banning the sale of certain powerful fireworks and bangers has returned."

He added: "The ready availability of cheap 'air bomb' fireworks sold singly or in multi-packs has replaced the banger as the nuisance firework.

"We believe these fireworks should also be banned except as part of boxed mixed items."

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