A WARNING has gone out over a spate of fireworks causing night-time disruption.

Pendle Council is reminding residents it is an offence to set off fireworks late at night and in the early hours.

The warning comes after reports of fireworks being used on the streets of Nelson and Brierfield.

One Nelson resident said fireworks have been going off in the town for the past fortnight.

It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night, Diwali, New Year and Chinese New Year.

Fireworks should not be used by individuals anywhere other than their own garden or yard.

The penalty is a fine of up to £5,000 and a prison sentence of up to six months.

Tim Horsley, Pendle community protection co-ordinator, said: “We’ve had a number of complaints from residents about extremely loud fireworks being used in neighbourhoods.

“We’re working to try to identify who is behind this anti-social behaviour to make sure our residents can get a good night’s sleep.”

Cllr David Whipp, who leads on community safety in Pendle, added: “As well as being anti-social behaviour, this is really worrying.

“Fireworks can be extremely dangerous if used irresponsibly. Every year around 1,000 people are injured in Britain.

“This behaviour, no matter how well intentioned, will not be tolerated and we’re reminding residents of the rules on the use of fireworks.”

Last November four boys suffered significant facial injuries when a firework exploded as they played on waste ground in Clayton Street, Nelson.

The victims, thought to have been aged between nine and 12, were left covered in blood.

A month earlier schoolchildren were labelled ‘idiotic’ after they were were seen throwing fireworks at people and vehicles in Brierfield.

Police said between eight and 10 youths of school age were seen throwing fireworks at vehicles from Brierfield Library roof.

A spokesman for the Pendle neighbourhood policing team said: “We have had reports, mainly from the Nelson area, and reports are the fireworks are occasionally to do with weddings.

“Some of them are in the early hours. Catching the perpetrators is very difficult.

“Officers live in the same area and hear the noises.”