18/10/2006 - Remember, remember to have a safe November

Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards department is once again joining forces with Cumbria Police to conduct test purchases in shops across the county.

It is also illegal for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in a public place and the police now have the power to issue offenders with fixed penalty notices.

Every year, while thousands of people enjoy firework displays across Cumbria, hundreds of people are affected by anti-social behaviour that is often associated with the bonfire season and fireworks being discharged at all hours of the night.

Legislation introduced in recent years has resulted in a raft of measures designed to combat the anti social use of fireworks including:

- Maximum permitted noise level of 120 decibels for fireworks for use by the general public;

- A firework curfew prohibiting firework use between 11:00pm and 7:00am with limited exceptions.

Head of Cumbria Trading Standards Phil Ashcroft, said: “Last year across the country, 990 people needed hospital treatment after being injured by fireworks during the four week period around bonfire. More than more than half of those injured were under the age of 18.  

"More accidents occur at family and private parties than anywhere else, with 475 people injured last year.  

"I accept not everyone can get to a public display so if people are having a party at home they should get a copy of the firework code and start planning now.   Rushing arrangements can often result in things going wrong.”

ENDS

Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337

Notes for Editors

There are limited exceptions to the normal 11:00pm to 7:00am fireworks curfew. These are: