Oldham residents' battle with 'dangerous' firework use

Responding to a call out from The Oldham Times about the issue which has been a source of frustration for residents for several years, Melanie Haigh, from Chadderton, said she had ended up calling the police recently after being kept up past 1am.

She said: "These are extremely industrial and dangerous fireworks that were let off on a residential street, very built up and lots of cars parked up - all the cars on the street were covered in debris the following morning."

Ms Haigh said empty boxes were left discarded outside a house and while it was reported to police she was not sure what action was taken.

A large amount of fireworks discarded in Chadderton (Image: Melanie Haigh)

Superintendent Phillip Hutchinson, from GMP’s Oldham district, said that once reports of nuisance fireworks are received, they work to assess the incident and make ensure they are being used 'within the confines of the law'.

He said: “While some may think that fireworks can be harmless fun, others can be distressed by the problems that can ensue from their use: noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour

READ MORE: 'Nightly' misery over fireworks as display boxes found

“In addition to taking a strong stance on making sure fireworks are used properly, our school engagement officers actively work with the youth in our community in order to highlight the risks.

“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 anti-social behaviour."

According to the law, fireworks may not be set off between the hours of 11pm and 7am, except for New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am. 

Discarded fireworks in Chadderton (Image: Melanie Haigh)

The law also states that fireworks may only be purchased for private use between October 15 and November 10, December 26 and 30 and three days before Chinese New Year or Diwali.

At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.

Punishment for breaking these laws includes imprisonment for up to six months, being fined an unlimited amount and an on the spot £90 fine.

Some of the fireworks that have been used hold 197 shots in one barrel (Image: Melanie Haigh)

Also responding to the call out, Susan Britain said: "It's been a nightmare over the years- no one wants to take responsibility for sorting it."

Some photos shared from Ms Haigh showed a large amount of discarded fireworks after they have been set off- including some stored inside locked metal cages.

Oldham Council say it is taking measures to combat this issue, including enhanced licensing checks at shops, reminding venues known to use fireworks of the law, mapping out hotspots and ensuring they are monitored.

Last year, a wedding venue in Oldham which denied allowing its guests to use fireworks was hit with a banning order.

Oldham Council confirmed a legal notice was served to the venue on August 31 which ordered The Palm Suite, Middleton Road, to prohibit the use of fireworks on its land entirely.

Some of the fireworks are stored in metal cages (Image: Melanie Haigh)

Now, Oldham Council has said as part of a bid to tackle the issue this summer it is establishing a single point of contact for firework complaints as well as engaging with local schools to educate children about the dangers fireworks pose. 

A spokesperson said: "We are aware of the issues fireworks are having locally and we appreciate and understand the frustrations of residents.

“Rest assured we are taking the issue seriously and work is already underway with our partners, including GMP and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to address it.

“We’ll be inspecting businesses which sell fireworks to make sure they are sticking to the law and we’ll act if they aren’t.

“Last year we ordered a number of wedding venues to stop using fireworks after we received complaints – and we will do that again if it is required."

The council advised that to report nuisance fireworks, residents should either call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, report on the GMP website, or email Oldham Council’s Environmental Health team at ENVhealth@oldham.gov.uk

If you have been affected by this issue and want to tell us more, please let us know at jessica.rothwell@newsquest.co.uk