Issued By
West Yorkshire Trading
Standards Service
A TESTING TIME
Following
a targeted campaign it appears that retailers of fireworks in West Yorkshire are
finally heeding warnings and advice from Trading Standards, Police and Fire
Officers.
Over last weekend
a band of young test purchasers aged between 12 and 13 were accompanied
by a team of officers from the Trading Standards Service.
A total of 86
visits were made throughout the West Yorkshire region. Although there was only
one sale this happened to be a large
display rocket approximately 130cms in length,
which is not only potentially dangerous but in the wrong hands could
prove lethal.
Officers from Trading Standards are also on the
lookout for illegal fireworks. To date a number of inspections have already been
made in West Yorkshire. In Keighley, accompanied by police officers,
trading standards officers removed 18 illegal fireworks from sale.
Inspector Nigel Cawthorne of West Yorkshire Police
said “This is a successful example of a number of joint initiatives which have
been carried out in the region. Hopefully the removal of such fireworks will
reduce the amount of complaints we receive from elderly and distressed
citizens”
Martin Wood Chief Trading Standards Officer said,
“It looks like the message is getting through. After a programme of
advisory visits and a flow of information to retailers there is no excuse for
ignorance. My enforcement policy remains and action will continue to be taken
against offenders”.
Councillor Graham Clarke Chairman of the Trading
Standards Committee said “I am relieved to see a drop in the reported figures
from last year. However we must remain vigilant. There are still 2 weeks to go
to Bonfire Night and young lives remain at risk”
For further information contact:
Patricia Harter Enforcement Officer 0113 2898217
Paul Cooper Divisional Manager 0113 2898240
Councillor Graham Clarke
0113 253 0241
Inspector Nigel Cawthorne Bingley Police 01535 617059
Last year 125 premises were visited. Test purchases
attempted at 54. 10% sales were reported.
This year 86 were visited. Test purchases were
attempted at 59.
29 retail inspections completed in Leeds and Bradford
130cm Display Rocket available for a photocall