Hit squad tackles firework misuse

A hit squad has been set up in Oldham as part of a crackdown to tackle people who misuse fireworks.

The safety squad, made up of council staff and police, will patrol the streets every night in the run up to Bonfire Night and for a few days after.

It is hoped the scheme will help cut the number of injuries and fires caused every year across Greater Manchester by the inappropriate use of fireworks.

The squad will be able to confiscate fireworks, issue fines and issue Asbos.

Patrolling from 1700 BST through to midnight every evening, the team will also use the opportunity to crack down on the illegal sale of fireworks.

It is against the law for people under the age of 18 to buy them.

Heart problems

Mark Alcock, from Oldham Council, said: "The menace caused goes right across the board.

"It's not just [elderly] people, there's those with heart problems, those with pets and those who just don't like it.

"In an ideal world, fireworks would only be on sale in the week leading up to 5 November.

"It's a cultural problem - some people think it's great to set fireworks off everywhere.

"I think they don't realise the damage they cause."

Supt Stewart Goodwin added: "Our aim is to provide a high-visibility presence - particularly in hotspot areas for fireworks disorder.

"It is now an offence for anyone under-18 to possess fireworks in a public place and for anybody to possess the bigger 'professional use only' fireworks."