A Nottinghamshire newspaper is calling for a complete ban on the sale of fireworks to the public, with the launch of a new campaign.

The Nottingham Evening Post’s Be Safe Not Sorry campaign wants a change in the law to allow only the organisers of licensed bonfire events to buy fireworks.

It is hoped that this in turn would reduce the number of accidents that fireworks cause.

At present it is illegal to sell fireworks to under-18s and retailers must register with their local council before they can sell fireworks.

It is also an offence to set fireworks off in a public place – but the Evening Post says the law doesn’t go far enough and the sale of fireworks to the public should be banned.

Editor Graham Glen said: “We are not being party poopers. Everybody would still be able to enjoy fireworks… but only at council-licensed displays.

“We say fireworks should be sold only to people officially connected with those displays.

“Our own massive postbag tells us there is widespread public support for a ban.

“By taking fireworks out of public circulation, we would drastically reduce the incidence of genuine accidents, deliberate damage and environmental nuisance.”

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