Residents are being told to be responsible and safe with fireworks and keep pets safe as Diwali at the end of October and Bonfire Night approach on the 5 November.
- Newham Trading Standards targeting illegal and under-age sales
- Residents urged to be mindful of neighbours
Newham residents are being told to be responsible and safe with fireworks and keep pets safe as Diwali at the end of October and Bonfire Night approach on the 5 November.
Councillor Amar Virdee, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Crime; and Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Fireworks can be fun, and we would always advise residents to attend organised displays where possible, but if you are planning your own party please be aware of your neighbours.
“People with pets, young children and the elderly can be alarmed by loud bangs and flashes, if you are planning an event please take a moment to warn your neighbours.
“Children should never be allowed to buy, handle or let off fireworks – and our trading standards officers will be proactively checking retailers to enforce the laws which restrict sales to all under-18’s.
“Never, ever let fireworks off in the street or other public spaces.
“The key message we want to send out is that you should be thoughtful and respectful of your neighbours and your community.”
Newham’s Trading Standards Service are conducting visits, reminding businesses of their legal obligations; specifically, the need for compliance with safety, storage of firework explosives, licensing compliance, and preventing the sale of fireworks to those under the age of 18. These are followed by inspections, checking for compliance while selling fireworks and under age test purchasing.
Fireworks for private use can only be purchased from licensed retailers during selected dates throughout the year.
Remember most of the year, it is illegal to set off fireworks (including sparklers) between 11pm and 7am. The exceptions are:
- Bonfire Night: Fireworks can be set off until midnight
- Diwali, Chinese New Year and New Year's Eve,: Fireworks can be set off until 1am the following day
- It is always illegal to set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.
If you suspect the illegal sale of fireworks in the borough, you can report this directly to Newham Trading Standards by emailing: trading.standards@newham.gov.uk
For further information about bonfires, please visit the website: www.newham.gov.uk/public-health-safety/bonfires.
For further information on general firework safety, please visit the website: www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/fireworks/.
If you wish to report an urgent crime in progress associated with fireworks and firework mis-use please contact 999. Alternatively, If you have been a victim of an incident involving fireworks, please report it to the Metropolitan Police on 101 or via the website: www.met.police.uk
Newham’s Animal Welfare Team are advising owners to take preventative steps to keep their pets safe ahead of fireworks season.
Consider:
- Do not leave your pets outside in the garden
- Create a den that is cosy and comfortable for your dog or cat, with bedding and blankets, that make them feel secure and safe
- Play calming music during any events
- Make sure your dog or cat's microchip is updated in case it gets lost
- Make sure your dog and cat have a collar on with an identification tag - for cats make sure the collar has a breakaway clip or an elastic collar
- Close doors and curtains during to prevent flashes from fireworks being seen and to minimise sound
- Consult your vet as they may administer medication to help calm your pet - do not let medicated cats outside.
