A ROW has broken out over banning the private sales of fireworks with one city shop defending private displays.

Councillor Richard Udall has called for the end of the indiscriminate use of fireworks by the public by banning the retail sale of pyrotechnics.

However, a fireworks shop in his ward has defended private displays saying his business brings a lot of people into St John's.

Cllr Udall, Worcester City Councillor for St John's, said: "I think we should do what the Australians do where there is no retail sale, only professionals can set them off and events must be licenced and properly organised.

"There are so many who suffer as a result of fireworks being set off randomly and it's not just the loud explosions that affect people, the debris that falls to the floor can damage wildlife.

"I don't want to be a killjoy and I absolutely love fireworks, but I want to make sure they are done safely and let people take precautions if they need to."

Andy Watson, owner of Fireworks Shop in St John's, believes most people would not want to see a ban.

He said: "I don't think it's shared by the majority of people.

"A lot of people come to St John's for the firework shop."

Fireworks can only be set off between the hours of 7am and 11pm, except on dates such as Diwali, Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year when they can be set off until midnight.

READ MORE: Sheep who 'loves rich tea biscuits' saved from slaughter

READ MORE: History experts get chance to see work on medieval bridge after collapse

READ MORE: Worcester drugs raids see 500 cannabis plants seized

People are not required by law to warn others if they are setting off fireworks.

Cllr Udall said: "The first complaint I ever received about fireworks was three decades ago from an elderly woman whose parents were killed during the blitz which made me realise just how many people can be affected.

"I have spoken to military veterans who suffer from PTSD and refugees who are terrorised by what sound like a battle zone outside.

"I have spoken parents of kids with autism who are badly affected by the explosions.

"Not to mention the impact on pets and animals."

    What are your thoughts?    
        
    You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here.    
        
    Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence.    
        

However, Mr Watson highlighted the good that fireworks do.

He said: "People like scout groups and village halls raise money through fireworks displays.

"Their displays can raise enough money to keep them going all year.

"There's always another side to the coin."