WESTHOUGHTON town council leader, Cllr David Wilkinson, is calling for tighter restrictions to be made on the sale of fireworks.

Residents angry and frightened by loud fireworks exploding day and night for at least two weeks running up to Bonfire Night have brought in more complaints than ever before.

This year neighbours throughout the town are claiming that the explosions being set off are louder than ever, and that there are more of them being lit than previous years.

Now Cllr Wilkinson is pushing for a restriction in the sale of the fireworks, which he claims this year appear more readily available than in the past.

He said: "There should be a time limit around November 5 when fireworks are only available.

"This year the fireworks have started being set off even earlier. Residents have said they feel they are louder than ever.

"A tighter control on their sale is needed.

"This Government and past Governments have failed to address this problem which arises every year.

"It is an annual problem and something needs to be done.

"People with dogs have a nightmare at this time of year. Elderly people are intimidated by the loud explosions and kids can't sleep through the noise.

"Yet this year there is a greater emphasis on selling fireworks than ever before.

"They are prominently displayed in supermarkets and high street stores."