CONSUMER watchdogs are calling for tougher laws after almost 250,000 dangerous fireworks were seized and destroyed this year.

Trading standards officers confiscated 55 tonnes of fireworks in the run-up to November 5 and arranged for their destruction at the former Royal Ordnance premises in Chorley.

The whole issue of firework safety is of great concern, despite a series of laws governing their sale and use, chief trading standards officer Jim Potts will tell Lancashire fire service and public protection committee on Monday.

He is worried that a wide range of fireworks, including large display types, can be legally sold to consumers - despite the fact they may require a safe distance of at least 25 metres, a distance well beyond most suburban back gardens.

Mr Potts will tell councillors that sales of fireworks by mail order, car boot sales and street sales are growing, and problems with their sale and safety are increasing.

Councillors will be asked to seek support from the Association of County Councils in tightening up safety legislation.

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