AFTER nights of disturbance, an overwhelming majority of disgruntled Daily Echo readers have called for a ban on the sale of fireworks to the public.

Their peace has been shattered and their pets left traumatised. Now readers' strength of feeling has been revealed by the massive response to our web poll.

In just ten days 1,238 votes were received with 76 per cent voting for a ban and only 24 per cent wanting the sale of fireworks to the public to continue.

Following our last Bang Out Of Order campaign, which attracted more than 4,500 signatures, strict fireworks regulations came into force in August 2004.

There were hopes that the new laws would deter antisocial behaviour. But they appear to have been unfounded.

Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Annette Brooke, who campaigned for tighter controls, said: "I have written to Dorset's Chief Constable, the Fire Service and Poole council to find out why the regulations are not having the desired effect.

"I have also submitted a written question to Parliament and am still awaiting responses. If they can't come up with any answers I think we are sadly going down the route to a complete ban on fireworks sales to the public."

Kevin Warren from Muscliffe said: "I have nothing against fireworks at the right time and place but they now start in mid-October."

Another frustrated reader said: "We are thoroughly sick of the sound of fireworks. Our dog has become extremely distressed and has to be sedated most nights."

We went out on the streets to gauge public opinion.

Sarolta Tar, 28, from Bournemouth, said: "Public displays are amazing and should be good enough for everyone."

Gabrielle Waters, 64, from Lilliput said: "We could stop people buying fireworks that are too big and leave them just for displays. But I think people will get hurt either way."

  • THREE people were injured at private fireworks parties over the weekend in Poole, according to a hospital consultant.

Accident and Emergency lead consultant Dr Michael Reichl said: "I have seen three patients so far who have burns - in two cases to the hands and in one case to the face," he said.

He added that although none of these injuries was serious, and there was not a large number, there has been an increase this year.

"All of the people who came to us received their injuries at private parties," he said.