As the darker nights set in and loud noises and gunpowder fill the air, we are reminded that we are approaching that time of year again - bonfire night.

The use of fireworks, whether at an organised, outdoor display or in a neighbour's back garden, has always divided opinion.

Many people cite the misuse of fireworks as the reason why they should be banned from being sold in shops and supermarkets altogether. Just yesterday, it was reported that a dangerous firework hit a pram in the south side of Glasgow, with police now investigating the incident.

Others believe it is a fun, traditional way to celebrate November 5, and that kids may miss out if they are taken off the shelves completely.

We asked readers from across our four titles what they thought on the matter, and with hundreds of comments to choose from, they certainly had a lot to say. 

North Ayrshire

In North Ayrshire, Michael McDermott said "it's time for change", writing: "I think we'll always get loads of irresponsible folk using them who don't give a hoot about others. Too many injuries to people/terrified pets/wildlife etc. As a start they should be limited to properly organised events. It's time for change."

Margaret Young agreed, saying: "Yes and even the small shops as well am dreading them starting my dog is terrified when she hears them she won't even go out for the toilet someone was letting them off the other night across the back from me".

Megan Irene had a terrible past experience and firmly believes they should be prohibited. She said: "Yes 100%. I've had a firework lit in my face by teenagers terrorising people with them, luckily I ran away in time but there is NO REASON for the general public to have access to explosives."

Others thought differently, with reader Stephanie McClintick commenting: "I don’t think there should be a total ban, but I do think you should have to get a license for them".

Linda Leetse added: "No I don’t think so but I defo agree they should be restricted to certain nights and only sold for that purpose" while Dylan James Peter Dickie thought "licenced sale would work better."

East Ayrshire

In East Ayrshire, Leanne Riedel Kennedy thought tougher sales measures should be put in place. She explained: "Yes, should need a license to buy them from a licensed dealer and have a permit from the council to set them off.

"Say someone is holding a special occasion, fill out paperwork first for permission to hold a display that's set of by a licensed person. Putting tight regulations on them would be much safer all round."

Danny Cameron took a more environmental view, saying: "In a time when we are meant to be reducing our carbon footprint, I think it's time we move away from this outdated tradition of burning a load of old crap and setting off fireworks full stop.

"The public certainly should have no access to fireworks, how many are aimed at emergency service personnel or tied to cats etc etc? People can't be trusted with explosives. That's not to mention the distress caused to pets and wildlife."

Some residents did not agree with an outright ban, however. Fiona Kerr reasoned: "I don't think there should be a complete ban, but miby them all now being silent", while another user wrote: "No takes the fun away. Silent ones now so should be better for pets".

South Ayrshire

The response from those in Ayr and surrounding areas was more coloured by the tragic incident in Kincaidston this week, which saw an explosion in Gorse Park. Many said that they would not be supporting the letting off of fireworks this year as tribute to those affected.

Bethany MacDonald said: "My whole house is constantly on edge and jumping at every little noise and bang. My 3 year old keeps asking if its another explosion."

Robert Gillon wrote: "Especially in Ayr this year as a mark of respect from all residents from kincaidston area who have just been through a very traumatic time."

Nicky Stacey commented: "In respect of what happened in kincaidston I won’t be attending or buying any this year….. people have witnessed something horrific and so many have been affected by even the sight of what happened so think it’s the respectful thing to do".

There were still arguments for not banning the low explosives altogether, though. "Not everyone has a car that can get to a display", Barbara Ann Drynan said. "And not everywhere has a display". 

Pedro War said "No, because people that always buy them will end up getting dodgy fireworks illegally, and that will cause injuries and potentially deaths that could be avoided. People are going to still get them wither banned or not…"