An online petition to ban the domestic use of fireworks has been started in Worcester following an incident which saw fines handed out to youngsters setting them off in the street.

St John’s County Councillor Richard Udall started the petition which has already gained 400 signatures.

He said: "I am not a killjoy, I love fireworks, they are fun, but they are also dangerous in the wrong hands. The recent events in St John’s, where children were caught letting them off in the street, just shows how irresponsible some people can be and has demonstrated the risks involved.

“Since the summer I have received regular complaints about the misuse of fireworks, with them being let off when people least expect it.

"They can be bad for the environment, a danger to wildlife and harmful to pets. People, especially former military veterans, who suffer from PTSD are also affected by the noise, it can be very stressful and upsetting.

"I once knew a women whose whole family had been killed in the blitz during the second world war, she suffered very badly from the noise fireworks caused.

“We know fireworks can be dangerous explosives, their use and storage can also be very problematic and could cause serious harm.

"Not so many years ago fireworks were limited to just the week surrounding Bonfire Night; however, in recent years their use has spread and it has become a regular nuisance throughout the year, its time to take action.

Cllr Udall is calling for fireworks to only be used at licensed events, and says the retail sale and the domestic possession of fireworks should be banned.

He added: “We could still enjoy fireworks, but they would be let off at times we are expecting them, by trained professionals and with proper health and safety regulations.

"It would not ban fireworks, but it would make them safe and people would be able to take action to protect themselves against the noise if they knew when and where they were going to happen.”

Residents also had their say on fireworks being let off by them.

Laura Smith said: "I live on Friesland Close, at the back of Perdiswell playing fields. About 1am on Sunday I was woken up by loud bang.

"I thought someone was breaking in until I got up and saw flashes over the field and more loud bangs. The bangs persisted for an hour before I could get back to sleep.

"It's not the first time either, because its so dark, over there, no one can see what people are up to, so they think they can get away with it.

"Fortunately it didn't wake my baby, otherwise I may have considered phoning 101."

What do you think? Should fireworks be removed from shops?