Oldham wedding venue legally ordered to ban fireworks

The Palm Suite on Middleton Road has been at the centre of fireworks allegations for some time.

Residents in Chadderton claim excessively loud displays of fireworks are being set off on the premises of wedding venues in the area, often past the legal limit of 11pm. 

Neighbours across the borough have taken to social media to report fireworks going off at unsociable hours, disturbing their peace, scaring their pets and keeping them up "every night".

Also read: Oldham fireworks misery as residents kept up 'every night'

The Palm Suite is one venue that has been named as a suspected offender but the venue claims it has a "strict policy" to prohibit the use of fireworks on its premises and told The Oldham Times it has "never allowed" fireworks for its events.

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However, last week, neighbours found firework debris in The Palm Suite car park after another night of disturbance.

Discarded fireworks on the premises included Scorpion 'world destroyer' boxes which cost up to £300 (Image: Carole Schofield/Facebook)

Boxes of the discarded litter underneath The Palm Suite sign are fireworks that online cost up to £300 and are typically used in large displays.

Further footage then outraged residents on Thursday (August 31) as it showed numerous sportscars lined up on Milne Street, adjacent to the venue's car park, revving their engines and beeping their horns.

Guests were gathered in the car park, seemingly to watch, while others were seen lining the road either side of the car 'parade' holding blue and red 'smoke grenades' as well as cameras to film.

An ASDA petrol station which sits opposite the venue has also said it is "aware" of the fireworks issue from the site.

Ibrahim Ali, the manager of The Palm Suite, said the reason the venue has "strict policies" in place against fireworks is "primarily based on safety concerns" around the proximity to the petrol pump.

Mr Ali continued: "We are fully aware of the potential risks associated with fireworks in such proximity, and we prioritise the safety of our guests, staff, and the local community.

"It's unfortunate that there have been online reviews suggesting otherwise, damaging our reputation.

Residents captured a line of supercars causing a racket while revellers held smoke grenades outside the wedding venue (Image: Martin Wrigley/Facebook)

"However, I would like to emphasise that these reviews do not reflect our actual stance on fireworks."

The manager said he shares many of the residents' frustrations, citing how they are distressing for animals and young children.

As a result, he said whenever customers make requests to include fireworks in their events, the Palm Suite "promptly informs them" of their policy and that they "take the concerns of our neighbours seriously".

Mr Ibrahim also said the venue makes "every effort to ensure that our premises remain a source of enjoyment for everyone without causing any disturbance".

He added: "We also make it clear that local authorities may intervene, leading to consequences if such guidelines are not adhered to.

"We have never allowed fireworks at our events if a customer insists on including them.

"We believe in responsible event management and are committed to maintaining a positive relationship with our community."

Despite this, Oldham Council confirmed a legal notice was served to the venue on Thursday (August 31) which orders The Palm Suite to prohibit the use of fireworks on its land entirely.

Councillor Chris Goodwin, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “If they are found to have breached this notice then they will face a fine or prosecution.

“We would urge anyone who has evidence that fireworks have been set off on the venue’s land to get in touch with our Environmental Health department.”  

The Palm Suite car park is directly opposite an ASDA petrol station (Image: Google Maps)

The order comes as Greater Manchester Police and the council pledged to crackdown on the issue after receiving reports of nuisance fireworks being set off all hours of the night across the borough.

The force said it was looking at ways to tackle the issue, which includes enhanced licensing checks at shops and visiting suspected hotspot venues to remind them of the rules.

GMP also said it would establish a single point of contact for fireworks complaints to help build a clearer intelligence picture of any repeat culprits.

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 Goodwin added: “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.

The Palm Suite has been approached for comment again on its legal notice order and the incident involving 'smoke grenades'.

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