Josephine smith, our mum, was taken from us in October 2021. A firework was placed through her letterbox by 15 year old Callum Dunne who was encouraged to do so by 18 year old Kai Cooper. This caused a fire in her home which led to mum losing her life.

The fireworks were sold by Fireworks4sale in Harold Wood. during the sale the shop assistant Mark Vardy sold fireworks to then 15 year old Dunne. during the sale both youths clearly state they wanted fireworks to "throw at the police" and "Terrorise people". They went on to do exactly that.

Dunne was sentenced to 3 years and 8 months in prison. Cooper to 7 years and 6 months. LMV enterprises who own fireworks for sale received fines and costs of around £17000. Mark Vardy who sold the fireworks received a sentence of 6 weeks suspended for 12 months.

We firmly believe that tighter legislation would have prevented this tragedy.

In addition the pain and suffering that is caused to pets,wildlife and those with PTSD seriously needs addressing. There have been many campaigns that have attempted to get fireworks banned from public sale all of which have failed. In reality many people get enjoyment from fireworks myself included. However sold as they are currently and used without proper control as they seem to be curently is good for nobody. The propsals below are intended to increase public safety, prevent stress on others and yet still allow us to enjoy fireworks in a safe and responsible manor.

proposals are.

1. Make challenge 25 compulsory This would eliminate the possibility of under 18s purchasing fireworks. Protecting both the public and retailers. 
2. Only allow garden display boxes to be sold with a value of over £50. And tighter restrictions on noise levels that these fireworks can emit. The terror and stress that is caused by fireworks is unnaceptable. In addition this should discourage irresponsible youths from purchasing individual fireworks to cause mahem.  The youths that took mums life bought 10 "Megaburst" fireworks for £8.99. These are essentially small bombs. It makes no sense to me that this was possible. 
3. Restrict use predominantly to a few days either side of Guy Fawkes, New year, Christmas and Diwali.This would give the public a chance to protect themselves and pets from the nuisance fireworks can cause.
4. Reduce the time window for fireworks to be used. Currently fireworks can be set off from 7am until 11pm all year round. Im hearing so many people having there lives and pets disturbed as early as 7am. I fail to see the reason for setting fireworks off in the morning. It just causes nuisance and generates tension in comunities. I'm proposing a window of 16.00 until 23.00. 
5. Tighter restriction on licencing of the sale of fireworks. more regular checks and better signage in shops.

The above suggestions are fluid and input is both welcome and encouraged. lets work together to push for change. To prevent tragedy, reduce stress on pets and wildlife. Help those among us that suffer with PTSD. But also allow those of us that enjoy fireworks to do so in a safe and responsible manner.

If i am totally honest a future ban for public use would be the ultimate goal, However for now these steps in my opinion are steps in the right direction.