TIGHTER controls on the sale of fireworks look set to be introduced in Lancashire.

This follows a massive increase in the number of accidents.

In the past five years these have soared by 90 per cent and trading standards are linking the rise to the availability of dangerous fireworks.

The Department of Trade and Industry is carrying out a review of the situation and Lancashire trading standards officers want to see a change in the law.

A flood of unsafe fireworks from China, linked to the public being able to buy powerful display fireworks, are being blamed for the problem.

There also concerns about under-16s finding it increasingly easier to buy fireworks in recent years. The DTI has asked for Lancashire trading standards officers' views and the department has come up with three main changes to the law.

The trading standards officers want increased powers.

They can then clamp down on shopkeepers and hawkers who sell to youngsters.

They are also calling for powerful display fireworks to be taken off the open market.

And they believe fireworks popular with youths, such as bangers, should only be sold as part of boxed sets and selections.

The review is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The new draft regulations will be published early in 1997.

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