FIREWORKS have again been banned from Castle Hill.

Kirklees Council has told November 5 revellers not to light fireworks on Huddersfield’s historic monument.

A similar ban last year proved very successful.

But there have been incidents so far this year and a council spokesman said they had a responsibility to protect people and wildlife at the site.

“Already, in the run-up to Bonfire Night, the use of fireworks is causing a problem.

“Fireworks pose a real threat of serious injury to people and wildlife and a ban was imposed at Castle Hill at a similar time last year.”

Police patrols will enforce the ban and people who ignore it could be handed £60 penalty fines.

Streetscene’s Castle Hill Ranger Julian Brown said: “We were pleased that people listened and no mishaps were recorded last year, so we hope this year will be the same.

“The vast majority of people do heed our warnings with regard to the use of fireworks. It’s much better and much cheaper, to go to an organised display which is a lot safer for everybody.”

Having no fireworks on Castle Hill helps to reduce the disturbance to wildlife and the damage to the ancient monument.

Mr Brown added: “Fireworks can cause real misery if things go wrong and of course litter also gets left behind.

“They are essentially explosives with the potential to leave a trail of damage. And if people light fireworks during the day, it can scare responsible dog walkers who are simply enjoying a walk on the footpaths.”

The law under which the ban is controlled is older than Castle Hill’s historic tower – built to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875 prohibits throwing or setting off fireworks on any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place.

Current thinking is a stark contrast to when Castle Hill was used as a venue for community bonfires, such as that to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953.

Fire officers and police are patrolling Kirklees to warn people about the dangers of fireworks and fires in the run up to Bonfire Night.

They are delivering safety talks to schoolchildren, community groups and residents warning them about the inappropriate use of fireworks and anti-social behaviour.

The fire brigade are using the, “Gone in a Flash,” campaign to show in graphic detail how bonfires and fireworks can wreck lives if not used responsibly.

Many shops have also signed up for the voluntary Strike Out campaign and will refuse to sell matches and lighters to anyone under the age of 18.

The sale of lighter refills containing butane has been illegal since 2007, but the sale of matches and lighters is not.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service District Commander for Kirklees, Keith Robinson, said: “Arson places a considerable strain on the fire and rescue service.

“Each deliberate fire costs the taxpayer nearly £2,000.

“More importantly, they have the potential to spread, causing serious damage to property and even death.”