Children crying, petrified pets and emergency service workers having their sleep disturbed are just some of the reasons Royton residents have slammed the 'ridiculous' use of fireworks and inaction from the authorities this week.

Residents in the Royton area have told The Oldham Times fireworks have plagued their livelihoods and affected their sleep 'for years'.

However, they claim the situation has become worse with fireworks being let off every night this week, from 10pm to 1am, and have seemingly evolved into larger, industrial or display-type explosions.

Locals have identified numerous firework hotspots in the area with claims that the noise is coming from wedding celebrations (and possibly venues) from the Westwood area, Broadway and Clayton Fields up to Royol Oldham Hospital and Chadderton.

The Oldham Times: Video footage of Clayton Fields on Wednesday shows how loud and close the fireworks were to residents' houses.Video footage of Clayton Fields on Wednesday shows how loud and close the fireworks were to residents' houses.

Aggravating matters is the fact residents feel frustrated by a lack of police and council action to crack down on the problem.

Rob Barlow said the fireworks are "gaining in intensity with the other night being the worst I can remember".

He said his family had just fallen asleep after the first round was let off at around 10.45pm on Tuesday, but then "all hell broke loose" again at 1am.

Mr Barlow added: "Neither the police nor the council appear willing to get involved, even though a crime is being committed.

"We've had this for over two years and it is most certainly getting worse, possibly due to the fact that they realise nothing will be done?"

Over on Broadway, Natasha Clarke agreed fireworks have been an ongoing issue for several years but that they are getting worse and more frequent.

Ms Clarke added: “Tougher restrictions and penalties need to be put in place.

“I did contact the police regarding this and the operator was wonderful.

“I was almost in tears when I called because I’d simply had enough of being woken up by such loud bangs that on this particular occasion, continued for half an hour.

“(The operator) said the more people who complain, the most chance something will be done.”

The Oldham Times: Some residents have said the fireworks seem to be industrial or display-use fireworks.Some residents have said the fireworks seem to be industrial or display-use fireworks.

Clayton Fields appears to be another area where fireworks are going off with two residents claiming to have seen a large group of people descending upon the fields with "ridiculous" sized display-type fireworks in tow on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, another woman who lives in the centre of Royton said she could hear them this week.

Emma Whitty said: "I'm not sure where they are coming from, some sound like fireworks used for a display."

Paul Marston agreed: "It's every night now and it makes New Year's Eve seem mild.

"Tuesday this week from midnight to 1.30am in Chadderton, then Wednesday Clayton playing fields started after 10pm.

"My daughter is not sleeping and I have to be up at 5.45am to go to work.

"We are not killjoys but there is a time for fireworks - bonfire night and New Year's Eve, not every night."

Hannah Hinchliffe, who lives near Royal Oldham Hospital, said her children have also been affected by the noise and can't get back to sleep after being abruptly awoken.

"It's not fair. One-off at a weekend could be tolerable, but midweek and almost every night, it is ridiculous", she said.

Janine Whitehead said she is at her "wits end" with the weekly occurrence as it affects her sleep and petrifies her rescue dog.

"Some days I am so tired, it really impacts my day and my ability to concentrate at work.

"It's terrible to have your sleep constantly interrupted."

The council was approached for comment and instead published a post on Facebook in response to the complaints.

In the post on social media, Cllr Amanda Chadderton said that the Fireworks Regulations 2004 act prohibits the use of fireworks between 11pm and 7am, but that the "council are specifically not allowed to enforce these regulations".

Cllr Chadderton said those concerned by the fireworks should report it by calling 101 or online, though the link provided by GMP isn't working.

She added: "I have discussed this with GMP this morning and they are going to monitor Clayton Playing Fields and Tesco car park on Featherstall Road, as I have had complaints about those two places specifically."

She said officers have also been in touch with wedding venues to outline the legislation while local PSCOs have been patrolling the areas on their nighttime routes.

GMP declined to comment but said the responsibility is with the council to attend to.