Efforts to tackle the recurring setting off of fireworks in Oldham have been ramped up, according to police.

In recent weeks, residents across the borough have complained of fireworks going off after dark, which is disturbing people trying to sleep and unsettling Oldham's pets.

Now, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have said they are stepping up efforts to address the issue.

Police said they, along with Oldham Council, have received reports about fireworks occurring at all hours of the night at various locations.

Both GMP and the council have met to discuss the issue of fireworks and are both committed to reducing the problems associated with them, including noise, littering, and anti-social behaviour.

Police have said they are looking to tackle the issue through the following ways:

  • Enhanced licensing checks at shops, including extra visits, with anyone found to be breaching existing laws to be dealt with accordingly
  • Visiting venues known to use fireworks, remind people of the rules and ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities
  • Mapping out known hotspots to ensure that they are regularly monitored by officers or the appropriate authorities
  • Establishing a single point of contact for fireworks complaints, in order to help build a clearer intelligence picture
  • Engaging with local schools, to remind young people of the risks that come with firework usage

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Chief Superintendent Phillip Hutchinson, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “Together with our partners, we are determined to act on nuisance fireworks and ensure those involved are acting within the confines of the law.

“While some may think that fireworks can be harmless fun, continued use in certain areas can lead to anxiety and distress for residents, who may feel like they can’t get peace and quiet in their own home.

“We are investigating all the reports that come into us, as they greatly aid our ability to pinpoint when and where we are needed.

“I would ask anyone with any issues or concerns to continue to raise them with us or the council in order to aid us with our plan to tackle such antisocial behaviour.”

Cllr Chris Goodwin, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We are aware of the issues fireworks are having on our local communities and we appreciate and understand the frustrations and the disruption this is causing.

“Together we are committed to tackling this situation, and work is already underway to address this anti-social behaviour, with joint efforts being made by all partners, including Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.” 

If fireworks are being let off between 11pm and 7am and outside of specific occasions listed under the Fireworks Regulations Act 2004, you can report this to GMP by calling 101, or by calling Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. You can also share information online at www.gmp.police.uk.

If someone is persistently letting off fireworks on their property during the permitted times of 7am and 11pm, and a resident feels it is causing a nuisance, they can report this to Oldham Council’s Environmental Health team by emailing ENVhealth@oldham.gov.uk.