RESIDENTS said they feel like they are living in a war zone after yobs have been 'relentlessly' setting off fireworks.

Calls have been made to put an end to the 'recent hell' of people in Hyndburn after claims fireworks have been set off throughout the night 'for months'.

Community leaders said they had been made aware of the problem and would be looking into the regulations regarding the use of fireworks.

Cllr Joyce Plummer, who represents the Peel ward, said: "It's happening time and time again all through the day and night.

"I've heard it happening on Queens Road near an old folks home.

"Some of them fought in the war and have dementia, what must they be thinking when they hear the bangs?

"You hear them going off from all ends of town, it is appalling.

"The bangs are so loud and after the horrible attacks in Manchester the other month, what must people think.

"I believe the police have been contacted about it and I just hope we can all get to the bottom of it soon."

Neighbours said the problem has got steadily worse over the summer holidays.

Jackie Rawstron, who lives in Accrington's Burnley Road area, said her pets have found the fireworks particularly problematic.

The 48-year-old said: "I honestly thought someone had been shot.

"It sounded like a shotgun going off.

"I've got chickens and cats and it just frightens the life out of them.

"It's really upsetting, it's a borough wide problem."

Residents said groups of teens are setting off fireworks around The Coppice car park and the Woodnook Vale area.

Councillors said there have also been reports of them being set off around Plantation Street and Clarendon Street in Accrington, as well as complaints from all over Hyndburn.

Vickii Bond, of Blackburn Road, Church, said: "Over the past two weeks they have been going off at midnight to 1pm when I've been trying to sleep and they have been waking me up.

"It's been scaring dogs in the area."

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said it was an offence to set-off fireworks between 11pm and 7am or to cause unnecessary suffering to any animals.

Under the law, the only exceptions to this rule are for Bonfire Night, New Year, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

It is also illegal to throw or set off fireworks in any highway or public place.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said he has received letters about the issue.

He said: "It's exceedingly discourteous for a start.

"I have heard them myself late on an evening it isn't right.

"Children will be in bed at that time they can be very noisy.

"I will be looking into the regulations regarding setting off fireworks."

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: "I know that it's been an issue in certain parts of the borough.

"There are different reasons why they are being let off at different times.

"For many reasons fireworks can be anti-social and can be very loud, especially for old people.

"Over the years there has been a crackdown on fireworks and this is something we will be looking in to further.

"I will be looking into the issue to try and find a solution."

Firefighters warned those using fireworks could be putting themselves in danger, as well as causing public nuisance.

A fire service spokesman: "Using fire works can be a very dangerous practice.

"We recommend people do not use fireworks and just attend public events, which are usually around bonfire night."

A police spokesman said they were not aware of fireworks being a particular issue in the area but said if it’s a noise nuisance problem it would be something for the council.