I SEE that Mr Derbyshire is still BANGING-ON about banning fireworks.

In a previous letter of mine, objecting to your petition, he 'rubbished' my opinion, questioned my education and as much as accused me of social irresponsibility. However I now note that 'non noisy' fireworks are an acceptable compromise.

OK, I can live with that. But Mr Derbyshire this compromise does not constitute a ban as you originally demanded, and was the reason I questioned the call for a complete ban in the first place.

When calling for 'all out bans' the arguments used and the way they can be used must be very carefully considered.

For example - if your ban on the use of fireworks by the general public were upheld on the grounds of safety, public nuisance or public anxiety then, I dare say, a valid argument could be made for the banning of ownership of dogs, except for working dogs or dogs for the blind. Nobody in their right mind would really want this ban ... or would they?

Beware of what you demand. You might be successful. But not necessarily in the form that you expect.

Restricting who can buy and use fireworks, and when they can be used, is a very different objective than a total public ban.

My original question still stands and has not been answered. What authority does the BEN call upon to demand and petition for a ban on fireworks. Perhaps the Editor would care to reply?

D. Hough,

Down Green Road,

Harwood,

Bolton.

Editor's note: We have listened to thousands of people in Bolton who are fed up at the indiscriminate use of fireworks in the weeks leading up to and beyond Bonfire Night. We call for action on their behalf.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.