THE FUSE has been lit on a firework blitz by City of York Council.

Councillors voted to support a motion demanding Government action to increase restrictions on their sale.

Liberal Democrat Coun Andrew Waller asked the council to request the Government to:

Give local authorities power to restrict selling of fireworks to a week before bonfire night and New Year's Eve

Alter the chemical makeup of fireworks to make them quieter

Restrict sale of individual fireworks

Increase controls of imported fireworks

Introduce licensing of firework sellers. Coun Waller said: "People are increasingly fed up with noise from fireworks at all times of the day and night and for several weeks at a time, and members will probably agree that this year has been worse than previous years."

The council heard that the number of accidents involving fireworks had increased, with 1,362 in 2001 compared to 972 in 2000.

The principle of the motion was supported by all parties, although the Labour group attempted to drop many of its points because they considered them unworkable or already being worked on.

Last night's full council also voted to write to Consignia expressing concern about proposed closures of post offices.

It followed the collection of 3,500 signatures on a petition organised by Liberal Democrat Coun Irene Waudby.

Members also agreed that they should look at safeguards to protect investments.

It followed an investigation by the District Auditor which found that the council had not protected a £1.8 million investment in the Thrall carriage works in Holgate, which closes this year.

Updated: 12:13 Wednesday, November 13, 2002