DUNDEE: Fireworks crackdown

Fireworks crackdown

A three-pronged crackdown is to be mounted in Dundee in a bid to stem the misuse of fireworks.

Tayside Fire and Rescue, Tayside Police and Dundee City Council have announced they will be working closely as November 5 approaches.

An increase of almost 20% in the number of injuries from fireworks last year in Scotland is the catalyst.

The focus will be on reducing the number of unauthorised bonfires and fireworks offences.

Tayside Fire and Rescue Watch Manager, and Community Safety Officer, Ian Keir told the Tele, “There are small pockets in the central area of city that are cause for concern, but problems can crop up anywhere.

“We are high profile in doing preventative work and will be very proactive again this year.”

A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said a trouble-free bonfire night was a priority.

She added, “Everyone, particularly young people, should be aware of the legislation.

“The public should report anyone they believe is using fireworks illegally or anyone who may be selling fireworks to those under the age of 18.

“If we have evidence that individuals or groups of people are persistently causing nuisance, harm or distress with fireworks we can use the powers under the Anti Social Behaviour Act.”

The spokeswoman said that, in previous years, youngsters

had been a source of annoyance by building unauthorised bonfires in public places in the days before Guy Fawkes night.

“In order to try and reduce the number of incidents, we ask shopkeepers and factories not to leave rubbish or any other material outside their premises in the run up to bonfire night.”

Tayside Police and officers from Dundee City Council’s environmental health and trading standards department will jointly carry out test purchasing operations at all 19 retailers in Dundee who are licensed to sell fireworks.

They will also check to see fireworks are stored correctly and there are no banned fireworks.

A council spokesman said, “The department intends to carry out under-age test purchasing of fireworks, because it is difficult to enforce the restriction in any other way.

“But, looking at previous years, there does not appear to be a big problem with the sale of fireworks to under-18s in Dundee.

“Most Dundee retailers have been shown to be responsible. We encourage retailers to ask for proof of age when they are in doubt.”

l In Scotland last year more than 90 people were injured by fireworks between October 11 and November 12. This was an increase of 27 on the preceding year. Of those hurt, more than half were under 16.

http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/output/2007/10/08/story10389855t0.shtm