RESIDENTS have been urged to be considerate when letting off fireworks after a spate of anti-social behaviour incidents.

Dorset Police received several complaints of people letting off fireworks during Hallowe’en weekend in Bridport and Lyme Regis, and are now urging people to be ‘responsible’ if they plan to have their own display on Bonfire Night.

Police were alerted to incidents on Marine Parade in Lyme Regis, Gore Cross Way in Bradpole and Orchard Avenue in Bridport and Inspector Mike Darby has urged people to be considerate to other people if they want to organise their own fireworks display.

Insp Darby said: “The start November of course sees Bonfire Night come and go and fireworks are a large part of celebrating this time of year. 

“However, I would urge people to be very responsible in their use of fireworks and ensure that they do not commit anti-social behaviour and upset residents by random acts of setting them off.

“We have had a number of calls from concerned residents in the last few days where fireworks are being set off and causing alarm and distress to people living nearby.”

Insp Darby said people run the risk of committing a crime if they let the fireworks off in an anti-social manner.

It is against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am throughout the year, extended to midnight on Bonfire Night and 1am on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

The law also states that fireworks must be set off or thrown in the street or other public places, and that a maximum fine of £5,000 and six months in prison can be given to someone using fireworks illegally.

Insp Darby added: “Excessive and random acts of firework use can constitute a criminal offence when it upsets others. 

“I would urge people to be very responsible when using fireworks and have safety and the consideration of others in mind when doing so.”

There are a number of organised public events throughout the area over the weekend.

On Saturday, Bridport Round Table will host its annual firework display at Bridport Leisure Centre. This year’s event will kick off from 7pm, with the main display starting at 8pm.

David Barley, chief executive of the group, said: “This is our 42nd year of organising firework displays across the UK and our Tablers are gearing up to make sure visitors are kept safe and entertained from start to finish.

“Our previous firework displays have helped us raise much-needed funds for local charities and we are keen to continue to show our support.

“This is a key event which is always well supported by the community.”

The annual fireworks display at Lyme Regis will take place from 6.30pm on Saturday on the main beach in the town. There will also be a display in West Bay from 6.30pm tonight (Thursday).