BOMB-type fireworks that have been creating havoc in York should be banned from private use, city councillors say.

Skelton Rawcliffe and Clifton Without councillor Mark Waudby led calls for the Class 3 fireworks, also known as airbombs, to be made display fireworks only.

Coun Waudby tabled a motion at last night's full city council meeting urging MPs to use the Fireworks Act to ban airbombs from public sale.

The motion was backed by members of all party groups.

Government action would be needed for a ban. The motion, addressed to both members of the European Parliament (MEPs) as well as to Westminster MPs, called for a cut in the 120-decibel noise which airbombs make if they are not banned.

Coun Waudby said MEPs were included in the motion because many fireworks are made in continental Europe then imported into the UK. Fireworks were going off in York throughout October with some used to blow up phone boxes and bins. One man, Martyn Miller, suffered leg injuries when a fireworks explosion sent a phone box door flying across the road.

Coun Waudby said: "There are a lot of pensioners in my ward. One lady was saying she can remember the bombing here in 1942 and it was just like that all over again.

"There is no problem with people enjoying Bonfire Night safely and responsibly. Sadly, some of what we have seen in York these past few weeks has been neither safe or responsible."

Clifton councillor Ken King said: "The residents of Clifton have suffered as much as anyone else. Some have been let off into the early hours of the morning. People are saying enough is enough."

Executive member for leisure and heritage Keith Orrell spoke in support of the motion.

He said he had been in hospital with non-fireworks related burns 50 years ago and remembered the wards being cleared for November 5 burns victims.

Coun Orrell added: "Back then it was November 5 only. Now it goes on for far longer than that. We need to take every step we can to increase safety."

Updated: 10:43 Wednesday, November 12, 2003