Hilversum’s mayor Pieter Broertjes is in talks with the police and public prosecution department on banning fireworks from the city centre during the New Year celebrations.

Local broadcaster RTV NH says the city council plans instead to organise a public firework display.

Last year, seven people were left with permanent hearing damage after a man threw an illegal firework at a group of people out celebrating the New Year in central Hilversum.

No Dutch cities currently have a firework ban but pressure is mounting for change. The government has already said it will not impose a ban on firework sales to members of the public.