A LAW which could put an end to fireworks being let off at any time throughout the year has been welcomed by environmental health chiefs in Kent.

The Government is due to consider a Private Member's Bill later this year which could impose an 11pm curfew on fireworks and limit the sale of rockets to the weeks leading up to Guy Fawkes Night and New Year's Eve.

Environmental health officers claim it could be a godsend to people whose lives are constantly blighted by firework explosions but they have warned that a balanced solution must be found.

Barry Olding, the chief environmental health officer at Tonbridge and Malling Council, said: "The problem seems to have grown so much that there needs to be some control. The difficulty is to balance not being a party pooper with bringing in controls which will improve life for everyone."

Restrictions are also being backed by Maidstone Council's environmental health officers and the RSPCA, which claims hundreds of animals suffer stress, injuries or deaths related to fireworks.

Similar Bills have been proposed in recent years but have not made it to law.