Fireworks firm's appeal dismissed

Two fire service staff were killed in the explosion in December 2006

An East Sussex fireworks firm has lost its appeal to make and store explosives nearly two years after two firefighters died in an explosion at the site.

Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker were killed at the depot in December 2006.

The company, formerly known as Festival Fireworks but now called Alpha Fireworks, has been told to get rid of all explosives on the site.

Health and safety minister Lord McKenzie dismissed the appeal to prevent its licences being revoked.

Alpha Fireworks had appealed to the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions against a decision by the Health and Safety Executive to revoke two licences.

Firefighters injured

In a statement on Friday, Lord McKenzie said: "The appeal process has now been completed and based on the recommendation of the report, I have taken the decision to dismiss the appeal from Alpha Fireworks Ltd and uphold the decision of the Licensing Authority to revoke two licences."

Mr Wicker, 49, a retained firefighter, and Mr Wembridge, 63, a fire service cameraman, were both long-serving members of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Twelve other people were injured in the explosions and blaze at the firework importers' premises, near Ringmer.

They included nine firefighters and a police officer.