Crackdown on illegal fireworks

As part of a trading standards operation to catch out retailers who sell fireworks to under 18s, under-age youngsters are attempting to buy fireworks in shops across town .

Blackpool's principal trading standards officer, Alan Smith, said: "All premises that sell fireworks have to be registered and the age limit that you can sell to is 18 or above and that includes sparklers.

"We will be using under-age people for test purchasing to ensure that retailers are complying with the age restrictions. It would be most appreciated if we didn't get one sale."

He added: "Certain display fireworks, providing they have got the British Standard on, can be sold to the public.

"But all category four firewroks and some very large category two or three fireworks can't be sold to the public -- they are normally for display.

"There are other fireworks which have been banned from sale to the public such as bangers, mini rockets and other fireworks with erratic flights such as rip-raps, jumping crackers and that type of thing."

The annual operation is part of a multi-agency campaign, including police and fire officers, to reduce the number of firework accidents.

"We are running the campaign because obviously it's the season now for fireworks and if we can prevent one accident happening then it's all been worthwhile."

And he reminded firework users to read and follow instructions carefully.

"Members of the public should remember that fireworks are explosive. The majority of display fireworks which can be sold require a 25 metre safety distance which is sometimes quite difficult to get in an ordinary domestic garden.

" Some of the display fireworks may not be suitable for smaller gardens. Safety distances are there for safety not becuase manufacturers want to spoil anybody's fun."

Copies of the firework code, and firework guides for retailers and display organisers are available from Trading Standards, Albert Road, Blackpool or by phoning 478395.