Rogue fireworks sellers will face legal rocket, warn Trading Standards

Trading standards officers have seized fireworks worth nearly £5,000 from a business in Ilford, East London.

The shop in Ilford Lane in Ilford had 25 kilos of incorrectly stored fireworks, posing a huge danger to public safety. The seller had their whole stock confiscated, costing them thousands of pounds in lost sales. The council will seek further action against them to prevent a repeat.

As Fireworks Night gets nearer, Redbridge Trading Standards are reminding residents about the dangers of purchasing unlicensed fireworks.

To legally sell fireworks, retailers must have a valid licence on display from Redbridge Council. All fireworks seized by Redbridge Trading Standards are responsibly destroyed.

Cllr Khayer Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "We would like to thank Redbridge residents who have contacted us with concerns about fireworks being sold unlawfully.

"Our 'Safer Redbridge' campaign promotes all our work to make people in Redbridge feel safer, including taking action against businesses that threaten public safety."

He continued: “While fireworks night is a fun time for many, people should also be considerate of others. If you are planning on holding your own event, please also think about how this may affect people and animals."

Here are some tips to stay responsible so you can enjoy bonfire night safely:

• Attend an organised display instead of holding your own
• If you are planning an event, give your neighbours and community plenty of notice so they can be prepared for the event
• Buy fireworks from a registered retailer, ensuring they carry the CE mark
• Consider using low-noise fireworks, as they can reduce the stress normally caused by loud fireworks on animals and people 

Please report crime and anti-social behaviour here.

 Notes to editors:

Please contact Gareth Greene for further information at gareth.greene@redbridge.gov.uk