FEAR of fireworks is being tackled by a York councillor urging new restrictions on their sale.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Waller will today ask City of York Council to back him in asking for the changes.

They include:

Giving councils power to restrict sales to only a week before November 5 and New Year's Eve

Altering the make-up of fireworks to make them quieter

Restricting the sale of excessively noisy fireworks

Creating a licensing system to cover sellers of fireworks.

His request follows numerous complaints about noise from fireworks in the build up to bonfire night last week, and the length of time before the event that they were being set off.

Ella Hirst, who lives in Coggan Close, South Bank, York, said: "In my neck of the woods bonfire night lasts from October 15 to March 30.

"Now that there are firework displays at birthday parties, grand openings, royal visits, weddings and Bar Mitzvahs, the little darlings can't be throwing them about for months because of their novelty value.

"No indeed, it's because they know just how much of a nuisance they are causing."

In the past week, the Evening Press has reported on youngsters who put fireworks in a post box in Stray Road, Burnholme, and others who threw them through the window of a house in Spalding Avenue, Clifton.

Coun Waller said: "This came up at one of my ward committee meetings when we could hear fireworks being set off outside and some of the residents started to mention their concerns.

"Realistically, it is more a nuisance than anything else, particularly for the elderly, people with pets and children. But a lot of people think there should be more restrictions on their sale.

"Some have said they want to see fireworks only allowed at organised shows. I think that is a bit too draconian, but I certainly think some controls need to be put in place."

Tonight's full council meeting will also hear from Coun Irene Waudby who will ask for backing for her campaign to stop post office closures. The Liberal Democrat has had a petition signed by 3,500 residents opposing plans to close sub-post offices in the York area.

Updated: 13:12 Tuesday, November 12, 2002