ANGRY shopkeepers are demanding action against firework yobs who are driving away their customers.

Traders in High Street, Orpington, claim students from Orpington College are letting off fireworks in the street, discouraging visitors and making staff scared to leave work at night.

Now the owner of a jewellery store wants to see more education on the potential dangers, before someone gets seriously hurt.

Shopkeepers say groups of youths gathered in the high street on at least three evenings last week, throwing fireworks at shop fronts and people standing at bus stops.

Chris Dibble, owner of Indigo Jewellers, claims the yobs are costing him business.

He said: "This is affecting my trade. Our customers are telling us they are scared to come down here after 3.30pm.

"It has reached a point where staff are worried about coming outside when they finish work.

"Somebody is going to get badly hurt if this carries on.

"I'm okay but what about the old ladies who stand in the bus queues? They must be so frightened by these fireworks shooting towards them."

Another shopkeeper, who did not want to be named, said her staff are being forced to leave work up to an hour late, because they are "terrified".

Mr Dibble, who has owned the jewellers for three years, blames students from nearby Orpington College for the trouble.

He added: "I do not want to seem like a killjoy who wants fireworks banned but the college should take greater responsibility and there needs to be more education about the dangers involved."

Orpington College principal Kevin Finnigan admitted an incident had taken place and said he was working closely with police to identify those students who were involved.

He added: "All students have been told this is extremely dangerous and unacceptable behaviour.

"We will take swift action against those responsible."