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'Good Guy' hopes to reduce the number of firework related injuries
A campaign aimed at reducing the amount of firework related injuries, fires and anti-social behaviour is to be launched this week by Norfolk County Council's Trading Standards department and Fire and Rescue Service, alongside Norfolk Constabulary.
Operation Good Guy will see representatives from Trading Standards, the Fire and Rescue Service and the Police all jointly visiting traders who hold a licence to sell fireworks to talk to them about different responsibilities they need to consider when stocking and selling fireworks.
Visits begin next Monday (October 16), with Trading Standards staff reminding traders that fireworks are an age restricted product which should only be sold to people aged 18 years and over - something which could land them a £5000 fine, or even imprisonment, should they break the law.
They will also be checking that the fireworks being sold comply with British standards.
Officers from Norfolk County Council's Fire and Rescue Service will be talking to traders about the importance of storing fireworks in a safe environment - something that they have to satisfactorily demonstrate in order to obtain a licence to sell fireworks.
Finally, Officers from Norfolk Constabulary will talk to traders about responsible sales of fireworks and the anti social effect they can have on local communities should they fall into the wrong hands.
Inspector Peter Walsh, Norfolk Constabulary, said:
"The celebration of Bonfire Night is one of the high points of the year for many families across Norfolk.
"We don't want that to be spoilt by nuisance, mischief and danger, caused by selfish and irresponsible use of fireworks.
"It is especially important that young people do not obtain or misuse fireworks and Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk County Council's Trading Standards, and Fire and Rescue, services will be working to support responsible retailers and deter the sale of fireworks to youngsters."
Richard Herrell, Group Manager for Norfolk County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said:
"Every year inappropriate use of fireworks causes serious injuries and this multi-agency approach will enable us to support the safe use of fireworks, whilst maintaining standards on sales, storage and use."
At the end of October, Trading Standards will also be putting sales of fireworks to the test - using young people who are under the legal age to buy fireworks to try and purchase products across the county.
Dennis O'Brien, Team Manager, Norfolk County Council Trading Standards, said:
"Traders need to make sure that they only sell fireworks to people 18 years and over. They also need to ensure that the fireworks they supply fully conform to safety regulations.
I would urge any trader who is unsure of their legal obligations to get in contact with Norfolk County Council Trading Standards."
Information packs about firework sales and the danger of firework misuse will be sent to over 200 Norfolk traders who hold a licence to sell fireworks during this week (w/c October 9), with information packs also being sent to all high schools in Norfolk.
For further information please contact:
Martin Barsby, Communications Officer, Norfolk Fire Service, on 01603-819759, mobile 07919 492313 or martin.barsby@fire.norfolk.gov.uk
or Steven Reilly, Media Officer
Tel: 01603 222716
Email: steven.reilly@norfolk.gov.uk
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