FIREWORKS POLL

It's a sad fact that fireworks are becoming a problem for many people in the community. They used to be such fun, but now, many are highly explosive and very dangerous in untrained hands. Once confined to bonfire night, fireworks are being let off at the drop of a hat. Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, coming of age parties...any old parties. This year, firework night has lasted a month, with mortars and air bombs exploding well past midnight. Horse and pet owners report high levels of stress in their animals. Don't forget the human cost too... most A&E departments can expect to treat burns and flash blindness caused by fireworks. Neighbourhood Watch, Essex Horsewatch and the Halstead Crime Prevention Panel are seeking a change in the firework legislation. They are not being "kill-joys"; they do not oppose fireworks outright. They are merely seeking a solution that will allow fireworks to thrill and enthrall people as they have for over a thousand years, without causing unnecessary injury, distress and annoyance to others. The group would like to see a ban on sales to the general public - They would like to see fireworks enjoyed at orgnised licenced displays. They want to see an end to their indiscriminate discharge; often in shopping centres, high streets, and local parks, or being thrown at passing traffic and pedestrians. Please give it some serious thought. You might not like the idea at first, but you know deep down that it's the only way to reduce firework-related injuries and anti-social behaviour. Please vote in our poll below. Thank you