Issued By
  West Yorkshire Trading
  Standards Service

FIREWORKS 2001

With the sale of fireworks officially commencing on Monday 15^th October 2001 West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service has once more committed to a high profile enforcement programme to clamp down on retailers who sell to under 18’s.

Worryingly trends show that over half the injuries reported are sustained by children. Despite there being slight decrease of 8% on last year’s overall figures there were still 972 reported cases during the Bonfire Night period.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards will be working closely with the West Yorkshire Fire and Police  Services in the run up to November 5. Their aim will be to clamp down on under age and illegal sales of fireworks in an effort to push the accident total down still further.

Martin Wood Chief Officer West Yorkshire Joint Services has said “Every year I hear of far too many injuries to children and last year was no exception despite the total number having fallen slightly. A programme of test purchasing is underway and I would warn any retailers who flout the law risk facing fines of up to £5000 or a prison sentence or both.”

Councillor Graham Clarke, Chair of the Trading Standards Committee has said  “ The drop in the number of injuries is encouraging and I am pleased to say that the majority of retailers in West Yorkshire appear to be complying with the law. The key message is that fireworks are explosives and that their sale to children who may fool around with them could sadly mess up a young life”

Any person concerned about underage or illegal sales of fireworks are asked to ring the West Yorkshire Consumer Helpline on 0113 3848848.

For further information contact:

Patricia Harter Enforcement Officer 0113 2898217

Paul Cooper Divisional Manager 0113 2898240

Councillor Graham Clarke 0113 2530241

Notes to Editors:

Number of injuries for 4 week period October-November 2000 was 972.

In the previous year the figure was 1056.This represents an 8% reduction.However there has been a decrease in the sale of fireworks of approx 30%

Age Group of Injured Persons:

Trading Standards Officers carry out firework test purchasing with children from 20 October. It is illegal to supply aerial shells or similar, jumping crackers, mini-rockets, bangers and Chinese crackers.