THURROCK councillors are being asked to back a call to reduce the amount of time fireworks can be sold.

At next week's meeting of the full council, Stifford Clays councillor Elizabeth Rigby wants her colleagues to lobby the government to restrict the impact on fireworks on local communities.

Conservative Cllr Rigby says: "The high use of fireworks in the borough is causing distress and injury to pets and wildlife with an impact on air quality."

Her motion to the council asks it to request the government - via a letter to George Eustice, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - to review current legislation.

Cllr Rigby would like to see a reduction in the period of time fireworks can be purchased, a reduction in the decibel level of fireworks for private use and a restriction on use of fireworks, limiting them to official dates such as Bonfire Night, Diwali, New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year.

All other times, for example weddings, a fireworks display would require a licence.

Cllr Rigby wants the council to call for support from the borough's two MPs, Jackie Doyle-Price and Stephen Metcalfe.