Remember, remember - crackdown on anti-social behaviour continues over bonfire night

The community wardens and extra police patrols will be out again during bonfire night as the Royal Borough's community safety partnership continues to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Over the past few weeks the council's trading standards officers have been working with retailers to ensure responsible trading. Shops selling fireworks have been reminded they need to store them in a safe, fireproof place and that they face criminal action and a fine of up to £5,000 if they sell to anyone under the age of 18.

A series of fireworks and alcohol test purchases are also being conducted across the borough to check retailers are complying with age restrictions. Anyone with information about shops that may be selling to young people can contact trading standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Officers are urging residents to take extra care when using fireworks and report any concerns about safety of fireworks in shops or underage sales to trading standards on 01628 683802, or email trading.standards@rbwm.gov.uk

Complaints about firework misuse in public places should be reported to the police - this includes using fireworks during the night time curfew from 11pm to 7am (except on November 5 when the curfew begins at midnight and on New Year's Eve when it begins at 1am).

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways and streetcare, said: "Bonfire night should be lots of fun - but safe - and we are working hard with residents, the police and the fire service to make sure the coming celebrations stay that way.

"We also urge consumers to take care when buying and using fireworks so everyone can enjoy the celebrations.

"We promote the celebration of 5 November with bonfire parties and fireworks and we wish you well with your public and private events. The joy of children's and people's faces at a well organised event is a true wonder."

The community safety partnership is offering bonfire night advice:

• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time
• Follow the manufacturers' instructions on each firework. Read them by torchlight - NEVER by a naked flame
• Light fireworks at arm's length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick
• Stand back after lighting
• NEVER go back to a firework once lit - it may go off in your face
• Keep pets indoors
• NEVER use flammable liquids - paraffin or petrol - to light the fire
• Keep everyone away from the fire - especially children, who must be supervised at all times.

Bonfire safety

• Build bonfires well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures
• Never burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint - many produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode causing injury
• Before lighting the bonfire, check to see if any wildlife is hibernating inside
• Don't use petrol or paraffin to get the fire going as it could quickly get out of control
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies
• Never leave the bonfire unattended and keep children and pets away from it
• Don't throw fireworks into the fire
• Once the bonfire has died down, spray the embers with water to stop it reigniting.

Trading standards has the following advice:

• Always buy fireworks from registered premises - if in doubt, call the trading standards team on 01628 683802 to check. Fireworks cannot be legally sold from car boot sales or market stalls
• Only buy fireworks that meet British Standards and are marked BS 7114
• Follow the instructions carefully and think about where you are going to let them off - many require spectators to stand 25 metres away in all directions.

Supt Tim De Meyer, local police area commander, said: "Officers will be carrying out more patrols, especially around parks and public areas, over the coming week. Anyone under the age of 18 caught carrying fireworks will have them confiscated.
"I would also remind people that setting off fireworks in a public place or throwing them at people is both illegal and extremely dangerous. You could cause someone a serious injury and if caught you face a fine of up to £5,000 and can be imprisoned for up to six months. It really isn't worth the risk so act responsibly and enjoy bonfire night."

Contact the borough's trading standards team if you are in any doubt about storing fireworks. Further information can be found on the borough's website www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/ts_fireworks.htm

The fireworks safety code and other information on firework sales can be found at www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks

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