Bexley Council determined to enforce firework rules (From News Shopper)

Bexley Council determined to enforce firework rules

10:20am Wednesday 29th October 2008 in

By Linda Piper »

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WORK is already under way to make sure Bonfire Night in Bexley does not get out of hand.

Bexley Community Safety Partnership is bracing itself for a week of bangs and bonfires as November 5 falls on a Wednesday this year.

Already Bexley Council’s trading standards officers are visiting shops authorised to sell fireworks making sure they are stored and being sold correctly.

It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18 and test purchases will be done to make sure shopkeepers are not flouting the law.

Shopkeepers caught selling to underage customers face fines of up to £5,000 or six months in prison.

They are also being reminded fireworks can now only be sold within certain dates.

Unless they have a licence, and only one shop in the borough does, fireworks can only be sold between October 15 and November 10; between December 26 and December 31; three days before and on the first day of Chinese New Year; and three days before and on Diwali.

Officers from Bexley police and the fire brigade will be visiting schools and youth clubs warning about the dangers fireworks can pose if handled irresponsibly.

It is an offence for anyone under the age of 18 to be in possession of a firework and it is illegal to have fireworks which are only to be used in organised displays.

People caught can face on-the-spot fines of £80 or be taken to court.

Inspector Lynda Letchford from Bexley’s Safer Neighbourhoods policing team said: “The misuse of fireworks can cause misery and potentially fatal injuries.

“We have a duty to protect everyone in our community.”

She added: “Extra officers on the streets over the bonfire period will be rigorously enforcing the legislation.

“We want everyone to have a great time celebrating, but they must do so safely and legally.”

Bexley’s fire commander Cyril O’Brien said: “Whatever you are celebrating, if you plan to use fireworks, spare a thought for other people, pets and most importantly yourselves.

“Fireworks can cause serious injury and harm to people and the environment if not used correctly.”

For more information, or if you suspect a shop of selling to under 18s or outside of the permitted times of year, call trading standards on 020 8308 7627.

Comments(3)

Erastus says...
11:51am Wed 29 Oct 08

The majority of people who purchase fireworks use them responsibly, so long may the tradition of Guy Fawkes Night continue.

Talking of fireworks, there have been a few on my latest blog in the Your Section.

Visit my blog entitled The Great Erastus Treasure Hunt and watch the sparks fly.

We are currently on question 3.

Your Lord, Erastus Theobald Piggott

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oldhat says...
10:51am Thu 30 Oct 08

I agree with your lord,But is the ones that make peoples lives a misery and once again in the Erith area they are going on of a random, if people are to use fireworks, it should be contained to a certain date and times, I am sick of being awake half the night listening to them.

I myself would not waste my money to see it go up in smoke. I would rather treat my children to something constructive them to purchase fireworks. A traditional group as the ones that do the display events should be allowed only in that way the people who do enjoy fireworks can still view them in a safe way.

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oldhat says...
12:39pm Sat 8 Nov 08

Follow up to what I posted above, Friday the 7th, a firework was directed at a low rise flat at Frobisher Road in Erith 1st floor, the flat was in total blackness last night, the only lucky thing is that their was no-one in the property when it struck, once again your lord I would bet money it is down to the work of Youths which run the estate, which is alive with anti-social youths, it is not the first time over the years which residents have lived in fear of this sort of attack and I am sure unless the matter is taken in hand, that the small group which cause so much misery need to be stopped, will anything change in the area of Frobisher. Lets hope their is some strong leadership put in place in this area to start letting certain resident no that they cannot and other resident do not have to tolarate this sort of behavour where they live. For the first time in years due to a take-over by a new management team has their been signs of something being done, the CCTV which was in place was taken done and loaned to another project, never to return. The police and housing assocation are working together, but most residents feel that their should be stronger action taken to the tenants or residance which have been displaying anti-social behavour for years, most feel that it is going to lead to a loss of life before any thing constructive is in place, those which will stand up to those such youths live in their homes in fear without support. Their could have been a worse out come of what had happened last night and it was lucky their was no loss of life. But I do so hope that now action will replace, talk of action which can be put in place.

Bexley Council determined to enforce firework rules (From News Shopper)

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