by Jean Kingdon

POLICE have promised a "get tough" policy on the misuse of fireworks following the implementation of strict new laws to stop firework nuisance this week.

The dark autumn nights used to herald noisy and intimidatory fireworks on the streets in the run up to Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night.

Already Ludlow police have dealt with one case of firework nuisance and Craven Arms residents have reported noisy fireworks late on Saturday near the Tuffins supermarket.

Ludlow beat constable, PC Tony Sewells, warned that anyone aged under 18 who was caught on the streets with fireworks would immediately have them confiscated and could be prosecuted.

"The new laws will be of great help with the problems of youngsters with fireworks," he said.

"They deal with so-called 'adult' fireworks, basically anything not a sparkler or a party popper.

"Anyone who is under 18 and out in public with a firework without a legitimate reason will be questioned and the firework taken from them," he added.

"Shops will be breaking the law if they sell fireworks to under-18s. We will be enforcing the new legislation and will prosecute if necessary.

"We can now impose an immediate fine of £80 on anyone breaking the 11pm curfew."

For the most serious offences, police will retain the power to prosecute offenders with penalties of a £5,000 fine as well as six months' imprisonment.

The Government has brought in the new laws to curb the number of incidents in the run-up to Bonfire Nights of previous years.

Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said: "Law-abiding families should not have to live in fear of yobs throwing firecrackers, explosives smashing windows or loud bangs going off night after night."

Animal welfare groups have welcomed the moves and say that pets' lives will be made far less stressful with the absence of street fireworks.

The new laws at a glance

A national curfew on the use of fireworks between 11pm and 7am except for recognised festivals such as Guy Fawkes Night when it will be midnight. On New Year's Eve and the Chinese New Year it will be 1am.

Under-18s banned from buying fireworks or being in possession of fireworks in a public place.

A noise limit of 120 decibels on fireworks available to the public.

Compulsory training courses for operators of public firework displays.

The sale of fireworks to have a new licensing system. Councils will be able to refuse and revoke licences if retailers act inappropriately.

Police will be able to fine offenders £80 on the spot. Those who refuse to pay will face an increased penalty of £120, court action and ultimately jail.