The use of fireworks in a West Midlands city could be restricted as part of a national drive to tighten legislation.

Coventry City Council is the first in the country to consider setting up a local bylaw banning late night fireworks.

If passed, the legislation would restrict the use of fireworks to before 2300 GMT.

Councillor John McNicholas, who is backing a national petition to tighten legislation on pyrotechnics, says he believes bonfire celebrations illustrate how badly the legislation is needed.

'Government action'

"Fireworks and the noise and disturbance they bring to people with pets, young children or older people has been the biggest issue in my postbag for the past two years," said Mr McNicholas.

"We by no means wish to be killjoys in Coventry.

"But some government action is needed to help balance out the needs of everyone to enjoy, but not be disturbed, by fireworks."

Issue raised

The national petition, which was drawn up by Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North, calls for all fireworks to be controlled by a licensed pyrotechnician and a restriction on the time of year fireworks can be bought.

It has the support of 30 MPs across the country and has been signed by over 200,000 people so far.

Noel Tobin the Director of the National Campaign for Firework safety says he is glad someone has raised the profile of the problem.