By Andrew Clarke

Published at 11:55, Thursday, 01 November 2012

DON’T fool with fireworks! That’s the message being spread to the community to ensure everyone enjoys a safe and trouble-free Bonfire Night.

Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards and Fire and Rescue Services have joined with Cumbria Police for the awareness campaign ahead of next Monday’s festivities. They are also reminding retailers to be vigilant and make sure that fireworks are not sold to anyone under 18.

While Bonfire Night is a time for fun and enjoyment, the firework season can encourage incidents of anti social behaviour which can cause concern in many neighbourhoods, say the officials.

They are also reminding young people of the serious consequences of firework misuse.

Police officers can hand out on-the-spot £80 fines to anyone throwing or setting off fireworks in a street or public place or anyone under 18 found to be in possession of fireworks in public.

Angela Jones, Trading Standards service manager, said: “Our aim is to provide a safe environment in which the people of Cumbria can enjoy Bonfire Night and the period leading up to it.

“Officers from our team will be carrying out routine inspections and underage sales test operations and will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure fireworks retailers act responsibly and think ‘safety’ when storing and selling fireworks.”

Chief Superintendent Don Spiller, Cumbria Constabulary’s lead on anti-social behaviour issues, said: “The majority of people – young and old – celebrate the bonfire season safely with family and friends. However, there are always a few individuals who cause us concern by either misusing fireworks or attempting to buy them underage.

“Disorderly behaviour traditionally rises at this time of year so we are working proactively with partners to stop trouble before it starts.

“In addition to laying on extra high-visibility patrols, we are working closely with local retailers and licensees who are actively helping us ensure fireworks do not get into the hands of under 18s.

“Young people who we suspect to be carrying fireworks can expect to be searched, have the fireworks seized, and then taken home to inform their parents.

“Anyone caught misusing fireworks should expect to be handed an on-the-spot fine.”

Anyone concerned about young people being sold fireworks illegally are asked to contact Trading Standards via the Citizens’ Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk