I CAN sympathise with J Dawson regarding the abuse of fireworks (November 8). However, it is pointless to expect the Government to change the existing legislation.

Last year, I wrote to the Prime Minister, to the minister with responsibility for fireworks at the Department of Trade and Industry, and to York MP Hugh Bayley seeking a ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public.

From all three I received an almost identical reply which stated that the Government had no intention of banning the sale of fireworks as this would lead to the production and purchase of "black market" fireworks.

The letters also indicated that shops could sell fireworks for up to three weeks before November 5 and a "few days" afterwards.

I was informed that if fireworks are thrown in the street this constitutes an offence which can attract substantial penalties; but this does nothing to stop the infernal racket which goes on night after night for weeks on end.

Nor does it help to calm terrified pets which cower in fear from the beginning of October until the beginning of December and again at the New Year.

Nothing would give me greater satisfaction than to hear that fireworks would only be available to registered and licensed organisations for one night a year. But I don't think I'll hold my breath.

A Dobinson,

Askham Lane, Acomb, York.

Updated: 11:45 Tuesday, November 12, 2002