31 October 2017
As Bonfire Night on Sunday November 5 gets closer, families and event organisers across the county will be preparing for one of the most eagerly-awaited nights of the year when an array of fantastic fireworks will light up the sky over Nottinghamshire.
It is great excuse for family and friends to get together, gather round a bonfire, enjoy a few sparklers and watch the spectacle.
We of course want the night to be as safe and as enjoyable as possible, which is why our Trading Standards officers are clamping down on local shops that do not safely store and sell fireworks in the run-up to the Night.
There are 73 premises across the county that sell fireworks and we are busy carrying out inspections of smaller independent shops along with premises where there have been issues identified on previous inspections.
All shops selling fireworks are required to meet the Explosives Regulations (2014) relating to the storage and sale of fireworks.
Our officers will be checking that fireworks are being stored safely and away from combustible materials and other potential sources of ignition, and ensuring traders understand the current age restrictions applied to the sale of fireworks and sparklers.
So if you are thinking of having a display in your garden, remember that ‘Category 2’ fireworks are designed for gardens rather than ‘Category 3’ fireworks, which are more appropriate for the bigger, organised displays.
We have also provided dedicated advice and support to national warehouse retailer JTF Mega Discount Warehouse, which sells a wide range of fireworks to businesses and the public and is based in Nottinghamshire with outlets across the Midlands and the north of England including Hucknall.
Anyone who has concerns on particular firework products or to receive consumer advice, then you can speak to someone at the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.
There is a huge choice of displays scheduled to take place across the County - from small, community displays run by scout groups and local sport clubs, to large-scale events such as those planned at Mansfield Town Football Club, Nottingham Castle and The Forest recreation ground.
So wherever you decide to celebrate, here’s to a safe and successful Bonfire Night.
Councillor Gordon Wheeler, Vice-Chair of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Community and Place Committee
