AS another Guy Fawkes Night approaches, emergency services are bracing themselves for another period of senseless violence.

This time last year, gangs of youths in Edinburgh, Glasgow and elsewhere went on the rampage, using fireworks as weapons to attack police and fire crews. Across Scotland, 62 police officers were injured by fireworks. Fire fighters and ambulances crews also came under attack. A resident in Pollokshields described that area as a war zone.

This year, the situation is looking just as grim. Violence has already flared up in the Gracemount area of Edinburgh, with pyrotechnics being thrown at buses and cars, and rubbish bins set alight and used to block roads.

This wasn't supposed to happen. In 2022, the Scottish Parliament passed a tough new law: the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Articles Act. This made it illegal to set off fireworks in any street, park or other public place, at any time, day or night. Even in the privacy of your back garden, you can now only light fireworks at set times.

The problem with these rules is that they are almost impossible to police or to enforce. Rockets lighting up the night sky might be visible across the city, but how are the police to know where they are being set off or who is responsible?

And then there are the Firework Control Zones (FCZs). These are areas, designated by local councils, where fireworks are completely forbidden. Glasgow declared an FCZ in Pollokshields with wide community support. (It failed to go ahead only because of delays in issuing the required legal notices.) Edinburgh has created four zones, including one in Niddrie, the scene of the worst firework-related violence last 5th November. Police there had to resort to riot gear after coming under sustained attack over several hours by a gang of more than 50 youths.

But, on their own, FCZs cannot be the answer. The sort of mindless yobo who uses fireworks as a weapon is not going to take any notice of a line drawn on a map. In any case, the present zones are too small to be effective, offering little help to beleaguered residents in surrounding areas.

Ultimately, the only effective way to way to deal with firework mayhem is the zero option. Put simply, they must be completely removed from retail sale. That's a draconian solution to be sure, but think about the wider safety issue. A firework is, after all, a highly dangerous device: a cardboard tube packed with incendiary and explosive chemicals. Even without the violence or hooliganism, their safety record is terrible. They cause injuries and fires every 5th November, and they put a huge strain on fire brigades and A&E departments. And let's not forget the distress they cause to pets.

The only place where fireworks should be permitted is at properly organised public displays, run by qualified professionals, where families can enjoy the spectacle in safety and comfort. They have no place on the streets of our towns and cities.

Mike Lewis is a retired journalist

Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk