TRADING Standards Officers at St Helens Council have welcomed tough new firework regulations which means that, from October 15, no one under the age of 18 can buy fireworks. Under the old law, the age limit is 16.

The new regulations also ban the public sale of the more powerful fireworks and require all others to comply with British Standards. Very powerful aerial shells and mortars will be banned outright. Retailers will not be allowed to split boxes of fireworks.

Ken Wardale Chief Trading Standards Officer said: "St Helens Council has been calling for changes to firework laws for some time so we are delighted that our lobbying has been so successful. We are particularly pleased that the age for sales has been increased to 18 and am sure that these are the first steps towards reducing the number of injuries caused by fireworks each year. As in previous years we will continue to test shopkeepers to ensure they do not sell fireworks to anyone who is under-age. Further provisions of these regulations will come into force in the new year which will completely ban bangers and mini rockets."

Councillor Richard Ward, chairman of Housing and Environmental Services, commented: "While we are not trying to take away the enjoyment of fireworks and Bonfire Night celebrations, the price paid in deaths and injuries in recent years is too high and greater controls were clearly needed. We will continue to push for even tighter controls on the period during which fireworks may be sold and for a training and licensing system for anyone wishing to hold a firework display."

Any retailer not sure of their legal obligations relating to the new laws should contact Trading Standards on St Helens 456302.

ST HELENS Council's free firework display will be held at Sherdley Park on Wednesday, November 5.

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