Sale of fireworks criticised

Added: 15-10-2012 11:48:59

The open sale of fireworks in Northern Ireland has been criticised by a Derry councillor. Fireworks can legally be sold in the North providing a clear avenue for those in border areas looking to smuggle fireworks into the South.

Sinn Féin councillor Tony Hassan has reiterated the dangers of misusing the explosive equipment after a lady was injured at the Northside Shopping Centre in Derry City last week after an incident involving fireworks. It is believed that some of the children involved were as young as 8 or 9 years old.

“Both the use of legally and illegally bought fireworks and bangers is making life a misery for many people across this city and it has to stop,” said Hassan.

“They are being pushed through letters boxes, thrown into people's gardens beside oil tanks, family pets are being targeted and many elderly residents I have spoken to are terrified in their homes during the hours of darkness. I feel the only way we can reduce these incidents is for a ban on the open sale of fireworks.”

The issue of fireworks will be brought further into focus in the coming weeks in the lead up to Hallowe’en.