City calls for safe, fun firework season

Manchester City Council is working with the police and fire service to make sure residents remember this fireworks season for all the right reasons.

Last year saw the lowest ever number of incidents of firework nuisance and rogue sales in Manchester, and the City Council is now urging residents to make sure this record can be repeated.

As the fire service's Operation Treacle is launched, all Manchester residents are being invited to attend one of the City Council's nine organised displays held in parks across the city - which are safe, free and staged by professionals - rather than hosting their own events.

And irresponsible traders are being warned that trading standards officers will be visiting shops across the city. Anyone who is found selling banned fireworks or selling fireworks to youngsters under the age of 18 will be prosecuted.

The City Council will also be using the Manchester City Council Act for the first time this year to seize any fireworks being sold illegally on the street.

Meanwhile, residents are being reminded it is illegal and dangerous to carry fireworks in public, throw them or set them off in the street, or let them off anywhere late at night.  

It can also be dangerous for residents to build and light their own bonfires, with the City Council's environment teams removing nearly 90 bonfires from areas where they were likely to cause damage, nuisance or pollution. Rubber tyres and plastics were also removed from some of these illegal bonfires.

Councillor Jim Battle, Manchester City Council's Deputy Leader, said: "Residents told us last year they saw the lowest number of incidents of firework nuisance and rogue sales in Manchester. Now, we need to make sure we build on that success and work closely with residents to make sure they stay safe this year. 

"We're inviting all residents to save money by going along to one of our organised displays rather than try to hold their own which will just annoy their neighbours. We'll also be visiting premises across the city and any irresponsible traders who illegally sell fireworks will be prosecuted."

Deputy County Fire Officer, Jim Owen, said: "Sadly, every year we see examples of how dangerous fireworks can be if misused. After all, they are explosives. We want everyone to enjoy the celebrations safely and by working with our partners we aim to continue to reduce the impact of the small minority of people who act irresponsibly."

Chief Superintendent Rob Potts from Greater Manchester Police said: "As part of Treacle, officers will be attending events throughout Manchester to deter antisocial behaviour and provide reassurance to residents.

"We also want to raise awareness of the consequences of committing antisocial behaviour - this could be a visit by police to an offender's home or an £80 on the spot fine and a criminal record. If there is anything concerning residents or if they see anybody acting irresponsibly with fireworks we're asking them to approach one of the officers."

Bonfires and fireworks displays are being held at the following locations across Manchester.

Debdale Park
Friday 29 October, starting 7.30pm

Crumpsall Park
Wednesday 3 November, 6 - 8pm  

Cringle Park
Monday 1 November, 6 - 9pm  

Philips Park
Wednesday 3 November,  5.30 - 7.30pm
Meet at Eastlands car park 2 

Brookdale Park  
Tuesday 2 November, 6 - 8pm

Boggart Hole Clough  
Thursday 4 November, 5.30  8.30pm 

Heaton Park
Friday 5 November, from 7.30pm
Meet at Papal fields 

Platt Fields Park
Friday 5 November, from 7.30pm
Meet at the main show field 

Wythenshawe Park
Friday 5 November, from  7.30pm