Oldhamers have had their say on whether there needs to be more restrictions on the public buying fireworks.

Following another busy Bonfire Night weekend, many will have attended firework displays across the borough – including the Big Bang Bonfire.

Yet upon questioning, some locals think fireworks are too readily available.

One resident, Chris, said: “In some cases yeah, I think it’s very easy to get hold of them.

“I think a prohibition on them would be a bit extreme but maybe just tightening the rules around getting hold of them a bit would work.”

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Another member of the public, Christine, said she also worries about school children getting into trouble with them, as well as the celebration losing its traditional roots.

She said: “Some young people put them in wheelie bins and other things, frightening old people.

“Also it used to be about a bonfire, a Catherine wheel and singing songs, but not anymore. It’s changed.”

In reference to the original gunpowder plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament, Christine quipped: “I wish he’d done it Guy Fawkes – don’t you?”

Another factor to consider with fireworks is the problems with pets, who can become scared by the loud banging noises.

The RSPCA recommends keeping dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off, as well as closing all windows and doors to stop pets escaping and to keep the noise to a minimum.

One Oldhamer, Craig, had issues with fireworks for this very reason.

He said: “My dog goes crazy. I have a little Jack Russell and it goes mental, it shivers and it barks.

“It can kill a dog, it’s like 10 times louder for them. What it is with Bonfire Night is that it carries on for around a week as well. With a dog, it’s not just one day, it’s the whole week.”

Other residents are more open towards fireworks, however. David, who lives in Diggle, represents this view.

He said: “It’s a tricky one. We used to play about with them when we were young and we had a great time, so it seems a bit of a killjoy attitude to say that people shouldn’t be able to do it, but on the other hand you don’t want to see anybody hurt.”

David did also understand the issue with pets: “With dogs and cats, it scares them. Sixty-odd years ago this was never even brought up as a consideration, so I think we’re a bit more considerate to animals now.

“Also, some people do tend to be setting them off around about midnight. I think that’s a bit inconsiderate,” he added.