A crackdown will curb bonfire-related problems next year, city leaders have vowed.

This year's festivities were marred by a number of firework injuries as well as complaints from residents annoyed by noise and nuisance, said Councillor John Ruding, (Lab, Tong), chairman of Bradford community safety sub-committee.

The group, which brings together trading standards, fire officers, police and Bradford Council, was concerned that high jinks this November had gone too far, he said.

Members recognised the concerns of people who felt threatened by youths letting off fireworks and wanted no repeat next year.

Problems this year included illegal fireworks being sold in Bradford shops and fireworks being set off in the street.

There were also complaints that the firework season started too early with too many unregulated bonfires.

"A multi-partnership approach to crime and disorder works in a lot of cases," said Coun Ruding, a fire officer at Nelson Street fire station.

Measures under discussion include a crackdown on wholesalers to weed out illegal fireworks, organising more community bonfires and tougher penalties for shopkeepers who do not abide by the rules.

Naheem Ali, who suffered a sever hand injury last month when a firework went off as he held it, supported the crackdown, according to his family.

The 14-year-old was playing dare with friends in Back Girlington Road, Girlington, when the air bomb exploded.

Hs thumb was left hanging on by a thread of tissue and surgeons battled for more than five hours to treat him. He only able returned to school yesterday.

"He is finding difficult to write, but we hope the situation will improve soon," said a member of his family.

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