Take care with firworks says MP. Press release.

Stay safe and think about your neighbours in the run up to Fireworks Day, says local MP Stephen Ladyman.Stephen Ladyman says"Fireworks can be great fun but they annoy some people and can frighten pets. They are also dangerous in the wrong hands.

A lot of older people and people with dogs and other pets get really upset with fireworks especially if people are still using them weeks after Firworks night.

We've changed the law to help but even when using firworks legally people need to think about their neighbours and take care to use them safely.Fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is under 18 by law and they cannot be carried in a public place and the police can fine those who cause disturbance late at night, let off fireworks in the street or who carry fireworks in public."Consumers Minister Kevin Brennan adds:"Bonfire night is a time families enjoy.

But unfortunately accidents can and do happen. Even if you think you know how to handle fireworks look again at the Fireworks Code to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe and happy time on bonfire night."

ENDSNotes for editors

The attached picture shows Stephen Ladyman MP and minister Kevin Brennan.1. It is against the law to possess fireworks in public if you're under 18.2. It is against the law to throw or set off fireworks in the street.3. Fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is under 18.4. Penalties:It is an offence under section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875 to throw or set off fireworks in any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place. The power to enforce this section of the Act rests with the police. Anyone found guilty is liable to pay a fine of up to £5,000 and can be imprisoned for up to six months. Penalty notices for disorder (on-the-spot fines) can also be issued for this offence, attracting the upper tier fine of £80.In Regulations made under the Fireworks Act 2003, it is also an offence for the under 18s to possess fireworks in a public place and for anyone to let fireworks off during night hours ( 11pm to 7am). Police also have the power to issue penalty notices for disorder for these offences. Again, the offence attracts the upper tier fine of £80.Under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animals. The penalty on conviction is either imprisonment up to 51 weeks or a fine of up to £20,000 or both. Enforcement of this section of the Act rests with Trading Standards, the Police or the RSPCA as appropriate.5. The firework code:* Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.* Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.* Keep fireworks in a closed box.* Follow the instructions on each firework.* Light at arm's length, using a taper.* Stand well back.* Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.* Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.* Always supervise children around fireworks.* Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.* Never give sparklers to a child under five.* Keep pets indoors.