Maidenhead & Windsor

As the bonfire season approaches, Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough trading standards officers are warning members of the public to buy fireworks only from legitimate businesses.

The alert follows last week's theft of professional display fireworks from premises in Maidenhead with officers warning the devices could be 'extremely dangerous'. These fireworks may only be supplied to professional operators and should not be used by amateurs.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways, transport and the environment, said: "The wellbeing of our residents is of paramount concern and we urge all members of the public to think about being safe - not what they could save - if they are offered fireworks from an unreputable source. They should only be purchased from established shops and not from car boot sales, markets, door-to-door sales or from the back of a van.

"While these fireworks may be spectacular in a controlled display, they are extremely dangerous if used incorrectly."

Windsor and Maidenhead Trading standards officer Rob Abell said: "Under no circumstances should members of the general public consider using these professional display fireworks. Untrained people have been killed by fireworks intended for professionals in recent years, as they do not have the necessary knowledge or equipment to use them safely.

"It is also against the law for a member of the public to possess this category of firework. Our strong advice is to only buy fireworks from sources you know and trust."

Rob added: "While we have particular concerns about these fireworks, residents must not forget that even the most straightforward devices can be dangerous if used incorrectly. A sparkler can reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees Celsius, and injuries caused by them have increased each year for the past five years."

Residents are being encouraged to enjoy fireworks responsibly but to be aware of their neighbours and abide by the law. The following legal requirements apply:

· It is a criminal offence for retailers to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 and for under 18s to possess fireworks in a public place.

· It is an offence to release fireworks from 11pm to 7am, except on November 5, when this time is extended to midnight, and on New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali when it is extended to 1am. Anyone caught letting off fireworks outside these hours may be fined.

· The noise levels of fireworks are controlled and, in this context, certain fireworks are no longer available, such as air bombs, shells or bangers.

· It is an offence for people who are not professionals to buy and possess category 4 devices, such as those stolen in Maidenhead last week, which are for use at public displays.

· It is an offence to throw or let off fireworks in any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place.

· Shops are required by law to be licensed by their trading standards service to store fireworks for sale. This licence does not have to be displayed, but residents with concerns about any shops selling fireworks can call trading standards on 01628 683802.

· Retailers must carry out risk assessments regarding the storage of their fireworks and there are strict controls on the location, method of storage and amount of fireworks that can be stored.

· Retailers must only sell fireworks that conform to British Safety Standards and meet certain noise conditions.

· Fireworks for public use must have BS 7114 printed on the box.

Unless they have an annual licence, shops may only sell fireworks during the following periods:

· October 15 to November 10

· December 26 to 31

· Chinese New Year and three days before

· the first day of Diwali and the three days before.

Trading Standards will be visiting shops after the November deadline to ensure traders have removed fireworks from sale.

Trading standards' advice to borough residents is:

· If you notice any retailers flouting the rules, report them in confidence to trading standards

on 01628 683802.

· If anyone is using fireworks illegally in public places, or you see children with fireworks, report them to Thames Valley Police on 08458 505505.

· For further details on fireworks, go to www.berr.gov.uk/fireworks

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead