A BOLTON MP is calling on his colleagues to turn out in support of a total ban on the sale of fireworks.

David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, hopes enough MPs will show up in parliament next month to give the Fireworks Bill the backing it needs.

The private member's bill will get its third reading in the House of Commons on Friday, June 13, and needs 100 MPs to turn up if it is to get any further.

Mr Crausby said: "There are 13 Fridays on which private member's bills have precedence over government business and it is vitally important that as many MPs as possible support the bill at this stage in the process. This type of bill is long overdue and it would be a disaster if it was to fall through lack of support."

Mr Crausby has been accused of being a killjoy on the issue of fireworks -- something about which he has campaigned for several years -- but he insists the people of Bolton are behind him.

"It is the biggest single issue of my postbag and many constituents in Bolton have lobbied me on the issue," he said.

"I also enthusiastically backed the 'Keep Them off the Streets' campaign organised by the Bolton Evening News and called for a total ban on fireworks.

"The current controls have been shown to be inadequate in reducing injuries, limiting noise levels and combating the dubious import, transport and storage of these explosives. I am increasingly concerned about the very loud noise levels and nuisance caused by fireworks every year.

"I hope that this bill will ensure that we can make the necessary changes in order to curb the indiscriminate, inappropriate and inconsiderate use of fireworks."

A BOLTON MP is calling on his colleagues to turn out in support of a total ban on the sale of fireworks.

David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, hopes enough MPs will show up in parliament next month to give the Fireworks Bill the backing it needs.

The private member's bill will get its third reading in the House of Commons on Friday, June 13, and needs 100 MPs to turn up if it is to get any further.

Mr Crausby said: "There are 13 Fridays on which private member's bills have precedence over government business and it is vitally important that as many MPs as possible support the bill at this stage in the process. This type of bill is long overdue and it would be a disaster if it was to fall through lack of support."

Mr Crausby has been accused of being a killjoy on the issue of fireworks -- something about which he has campaigned for several years -- but he insists the people of Bolton are behind him.

"It is the biggest single issue of my postbag and many constituents in Bolton have lobbied me on the issue," he said.

"I also enthusiastically backed the 'Keep Them off the Streets' campaign organised by the Bolton Evening News and called for a total ban on fireworks.

"The current controls have been shown to be inadequate in reducing injuries, limiting noise levels and combating the dubious import, transport and storage of these explosives.

"I am increasingly concerned about the very loud noise levels and nuisance caused by fireworks every year.

"I hope that this bill will ensure that we can make the necessary changes in order to curb the indiscriminate, inappropriate and inconsiderate use of fireworks."