As November 5 approaches, and with it the promise of bonfires and fireworks, the nation celebrates the life and death of one of its most infamous historical figures – Guy Fawkes

But there is concern about fireworks being made available to the public.

Although the purchase of fireworks is forbidden to anyone under the age of 18 by law, it is thought even this measure may not be enough to ensure public safety.

The Cornish Times have once again been out and about asking many locals their opinions on this potentially dangerous forthcoming event.

Explode

Kate Durnford spared us a few minutes to express her opinion on fireworks in general, and conveyed her disapproval of toyshops and newsagents selling fireworks.

She said she is always hearing fireworks exploding near her home and not just at this time of year. Kate believes that fireworks should only be available at proper, controlled organisations and, if they have to be sold on the street, the shops should hold a special licence and the age limit should be upped to 21.

She said: 'Some 18 year olds can still be irresponsible.'

Response

A similar response came from Maxine Rogers, waiting at the bus stop on Liskeard Parade, who said: 'Fireworks should be used at controlled events and stopped being sold in the shops.'

When asked if she had ever had a bad experience with fireworks Maxine replied: 'Not myself, but I have had friends who have been hurt by fireworks.'

Mr Frederick Woodman acknowledged that fireworks could get out of hand and said: 'Fireworks are alright in the right hands, but in the wrong hands they can be dangerous. Of course you could ban them from shops, but where do you stop?'

Mrs Sandra Wills and Mrs Jan Raines, both from Liskeard had very strong opinions when questioned on the subject of these pretty but dangerous explosions.

Children

Both agreed fireworks should not be used at private functions as they are 'dangerous and potentially lethal. Organised displays should be the place for fireworks, not the street.'

Mrs Eileen Lyne said: 'People should just be careful, fireworks should be supervised. There is no point is upping the age that you are allowed to buy fireworks, because I'm sure you can always get someone else to buy them for you.'

Mr Stanley Godber believes that fireworks have got to be used properly, and people should ensure that children cannot get at them.

He bought up a suggestion of introducing identity cards, with all details of the person on them.

He said this would help with the subject of buying fireworks under age, but also many other important issues as well.

Careful

Bricknells toy shop staff say they are very careful in the distribution of fireworks and they always ask for a form of identification. Their motto is 'NO ID - NO SALE!'

Liz Nicholls who works in Bricknells revealed that she did have a bad experience with a sparkler when she was young and burnt her hand.

She said she never sets fireworks off herself and goes to organised events to enjoy the displays.

Julie Roberts, manager of Bricknells explained that even sparklers are not to be used for the under fives, and whenever they sell even the mildest of fireworks - sparklers - they always point out the safety precautions of wearing gloves and keeping a bucket of water handy to extinguish the sparklers when they are finished, as they stay very hot after they have finished 'sparkling'.

Julie said statistics received from safety notices reveal that more accidents are caused by sparklers than the larger and more powerful fireworks, She felt this was: 'Quite surprising'.

From a personal point of view Julie believed the age limit on fireworks was OK, but as a mother of two boys, David, 15 and Michael, 11, she felt her sons were mature enough not to mess around with fireworks.

Stephanie Dodge, a young mother of Jessica, aged four, told the Cornish Times that they are going to an organised display this year and she did not feel to concerned about her children playing with fireworks as they are 'on the cautious side'. However Stephanie is worried that her children may be on the receiving end of a stray firework one day.

Many people that were interviewed for this feature had similar and differing views. Most people felt that fireworks should only be displayed at organised events as private events may be dangerous. A conflicting view is evident in the sale of fireworks in toyshops and newsagents. Some people, such as Maxine, felt fireworks should be banned from this area of distribution, which can easily be defrauded by some customers, who may look, and have I. D. saying they are older than they really are.

This creates yet another area of conflict - should I. D. cards be compulsory for all people?

As usual the final word comes from David 'Snowy' Pryor, who said: 'Fireworks should be used for party organisations only, they should be banned from being sold in toyshops and newsagents, as children can look older than they really are.'

Your views - Do you think fireworks should be banned? Write to the Editor at the Cornish Times, Great Place, Liskeard PL14 4BQ.