A licensing scheme should be introduced to restrict those able to sell fireworks, an expert group has recommended.

The group, which included police and fire chiefs and trading standards officials, said the sale of noisier fireworks should be restricted and that councils should have the power to halt unauthorised bonfires.

The Scottish Executive pledged at the weekend to introduce stricter controls and clamp down on those who flouted existing laws on the sale of fireworks.

Councillor Tom Maginnis, who chaired the team set up by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla), said that evidence from last year made it clear current regulations did not go far enough.

'General consensus'

He said: "During 2001, local authorities throughout Scotland received unprecedented complaints in relation to fireworks, covering a range of issues from general anti-social behaviour to cruelty and abuse of animals.

"There appeared to be a general consensus that action was required by the government at all levels and by enforcement and regulatory agencies to address these issues while recognising the enjoyment of fireworks by responsible users."

Cosla president Pat Watters welcomed the group's work and demanded immediate government action.

He said: "The matter has in recent times got out of hand and urgent change and a tightening of legislation is now needed and that is what we are demanding."

Other recommendations from the group included:

• Altering the composition of fireworks to make them quieter

• Restricting the individual sale of existing fireworks regarded as excessively noisy

• Tighter records should be kept about imported fireworks

• Council representatives should meet young people to discuss the consequences of irresponsible firework use.

Public Services Minister Andy Kerr said First Minister Jack McConnell had asked him to explore ways of improving the situation.

He said: "Too many vendors are abusing the code of practice, which I find highly disappointing.

"They have not been responsible enough to abide by the voluntary code of practice and will now be subject to stricter controls."

Mr Kerr added: "This is now a matter of the upmost priority."

Scottish National Party MSP Shona Robison last month launched a Private Member's Bill which would introduce a licensing scheme for fireworks retailers.