MAY I add my weight to those that have written recently and called for fireworks and large bonfires to be limited to organised events.

As a youngster, I enjoyed the November 5 celebrations held in family gardens. However, I also remember that one young friend lost the sight of an eye and another was badly scarred - both as the result of firework accidents.

Added to this, during 35 years service as a fire brigade officer, I too often witnessed or heard about deaths and injuries resulting from practices that would have led to the prosecution of a company, had they been carried out by employees at work.

However, the wondrous looks of children and the "oohs" and "aahs" of their parents do not have to be lost. There are several well-organised events in Worcester; all providing a show that can not be rivalled on a small scale.

The real cost of fireworks is measured in tragedy. So while I am pleased to see families continue to enjoy themselves, I would like to see an end to the "over the counter" sales of fireworks and their indiscriminate use by untrained persons.

ANDREW ROBERTS,

County Councillor

Claines.