Warning over black market fireworks

Residents planning to hold a home Bonfire Night display are being urged to buy their fireworks from an established business.

Fireworks sold through the black economy – particularly from private residences, street hawkers, pub sellers, car boot sales and online – may be unsafe and dangerous.

Local retailers selling fireworks are required to register with the county council’s trading standards team.

Officers have been visiting premises selling fireworks throughout this week to make sure their products are correctly stored, check they are meeting safety standards and sellers are aware that they must not sell such goods to under 18s.

Live fireworks should be locked away from customers and not on open display, and boxes of fireworks must not be split and sold separately.

Coun Alice Grice, vice-chair of Nottinghamshire County Council’s community safety committee, said: “Fireworks are explosives that can cause a great deal of damage and harm if they are stored incorrectly, so we are checking registered premises.

“The safest way to enjoy Bonfire Night is at a public display, but if local residents are holding their display they need to be mindful of potential accidents when storing fireworks.”