MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton Jim McMahon has spoken out after a rise in the number of his constituents contacting him about fireworks.

The former council leader has said that the problem of fireworks being regularly set off after 11pm, which is illegal under UK law, should "not be tolerated".

Mr McMahon said in a statement on social media that he agreed with the concerns being raised by labelling fireworks "disruptive, a nuisance and harmful to many vulnerable people".

He said: "As you would expect, I am in regular contact with Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Police about this.

"I am confident that they are each doing all they can, despite successive cuts by the previous government, to address incidents, including by enhanced licensing checks and monitoring of popular hotspots.

"Even if new, tougher, laws were implemented; without the resources to tackle the problem, including closing down illicit sales of fireworks, these laws would not be sufficient - resources to make them workable are required too."

He went on to cite the newly proposed Crime and Policing Bill, which was announced in the King's Speech last month, which he says will allow the government to "rebuild community policing and crack down on anti-social behaviour".

The MP said that this will be possible with new Respect Orders as well as a Victims, Courts and Public Protection Bill.

Mr McMahon added: "Tackling anti-social behaviour in this way is how Labour is creating a safe place - a priority of mine at the election - on the high streets and in the neighbourhoods which make up our local communities.

"I will continue to monitor developments. Constituents should continue to report instances and I encourage local people to raise concerns with my office if necessary at jim.mcmahon.mp@parliament.uk.

"Remember, all of us just want to live in a nice area and get on with our lives without major disturbances.

"To those involved: setting fireworks off at such times does not need to be done.

"Please think of your neighbours, of their families, and of those working unusual shift patterns."

Oldham residents have been facing the problem of nuisance fireworks for a prolonged period of time, and have said they are "sick to death" of the problem.

People regularly take to social media to plead with those responsible to stop and have spoken with The Oldham Times on numerous occasions about their frustrations.

Delena Knowles, who has lived in Chadderton for more than two decades, found boxes of used fireworks, labelled "max box" with "100 shots" in per box, at the top of Featherstall Road off Arkwright Street.

Ms Knowles said: "It's a disruption for everybody. People have got to get up for work early in the morning. I work.

"There are kids with autism and ADHD that are scared of loud noises.

"Poor animals are frightened, old people that are frightened.

"There's no consideration for anybody else."