BAN. It's a horrible word and goes against the British concept of a liberal society. Yet there are occasions when a ban is unavoidable. One would not, for example, want guns to be freely available over the counter as they are in America.

Pressure is now growing for a ban on what was once that most innocent of pleasures - fireworks.

The days of a few Roman candles and Catherine wheels going off in the back yard are long gone. Today's fireworks are dangerous weapons - and sadly they are being used as such. Telephone boxes have been blown up, dustbins destroyed, property targetted by lethal weapons.

As the incidents of hooliganism, violence and anti-social behaviour increase every year, political pressure for a ban on all fireworks except those used in organised, licensed displays inevitably ratchets up another notch.

Barnoldswick witnessed a spectacular organised display last Sunday pushing the boat out with a breathtaking show. There will doubtless be other magnificent shows this weekend - safe, secure and, without the fragmentation of effort into many small, unco-ordinated private events, highly effective.

Their success means that a complete ban on the sale of fireworks except under licence looks to be just round the corner. Doubtless thousands of residents will breathe a sigh of relief.