Take our poll: Should private firework displays be banned?

There are calls to ban private firework displays after a number of incidents across the North West, with reports of both people and pets being injured.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

WHY ARE SOME CALLING FOR THE BAN?

Fire services across the UK say organised displays are safer, with suitable material and safety checks in place. Last night, a child had to be airlifted to hospital in Merseyside after a burning shopping trolley fell off a bonfire.

Vets are also calling for organised displays only, as pet owners can plan around them to keep their animals from being distressed. It comes after a terrier was badly injured when he was spooked by a firework and ran into the path of a car.

There are also concerns that private firework sales lead to dangerous and antisocial behaviour. On Bonfire Night three different firefighting crews were attacked while turning out to a 999 call, with fireworks being thrown at them.

Last week a firefighter was treated for burns after a firework was thrown at his head.

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIONS?

Private firework displays can be more suitable for people with a range of physical and mental health conditions, and there are concerns that limiting people to public displays could be exclusive.

Access to public displays is not possible for everyone, either because of physical disabilities, breathing conditions, or fears of large crowds.

A Parliamentary committee that met to discuss safety concerns also said it does not support a ban on public firework sales because of the “substantial” economic effect it would have and the importance community-run displays have to local areas.