Parks in Chadderton have reportedly been found littered with fireworks debris and burnt by the explosives in a state residents have called "sickening" while taxpayers' money has gone towards the clean-up.
Although Bonfire Night (Tuesday, November 5) is over, residents across Oldham claim fireworks are a persistent nuisance all year round and have not let up in the week since.
Residents across the borough say some of their neighbours continue to flout the rules by letting off fireworks far beyond the legal curfew of 11pm - and both before and after the dedicated Guy Fawkes Night.
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Scores of residents reported a sleepless summer this year which saw many accuse wedding venues, one of which, The Eastern Pavilion, has refuted the allegations.
Meanwhile, another Chaddeton venue, The Palm Suite, was hit with a banning order in September last year.
The problem even provoked council leader, Cllr Arooj Shah, to call for a ban on fireworks as she slammed "some selfish people think it's okay to let them off at nearly midnight".
Greater Manchester Police has also been taking extra steps to crack down on the issue more recently.
Last week, officers arrested three young men, aged between 16 and 18, in Gorton after reports a group of youths had ignited a fire and were throwing fireworks at homes and cars.
Then on Thursday (November 7), police seized £150 worth of fireworks from four men on Block Lane, Chadderton.
The crackdown comes as nearby on Crossley Playing Fields, residents said fireworks burnt the grass, ripped through a tree and created "sickening" damage in another night of celebrations which saw the field littered with debris the following day.
The damage caused was so bad that Oldham Council sent teams to clear the rubbish and make repairs, which means council taxpayers are ultimately "picking up the bill" for the mess.
Photographs of the carnage show several boxes of used fireworks strewn across the grass and patches of black holes that have been burnt in the football field.
One box of fireworks by the brand Cube called "Lightning" shows it had up to 25 explosives, though appeared much smaller than another discarded box further up the field.
A tree also appears to have been hit by a firework and burnt as it has been ripped in half.
Not far from Crossley, Berries Field Park was also reportedly found in a similar state, as photographs show a large bonfire had been held and burnt the grass.
Rubbish and debris from used fireworks boxes to burning materials like wood and coals as well as beer cans were also found stashed in a shopping trolley and across the field including a 'Topaz' box of fireworks.
Residents have since slammed the latest discovery as "shocking" and "sickening".
Tracey Cozens said the damage caused is "spoiling" the fields for people who enjoy walking around with their dogs.
Cheryl Anne added: "There's just absolutely no need. Ruin it for everyone, people like this."
Others said the perpetrators "have no morals or pride in their community".
"The fireworks these days are like explosives.
"Most of the people that use the fireworks have no idea why we have Bonfire Night."
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.
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, fireworks can only be purchased 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.
Cllr Chris Goodwin, cabinet member for Don’t Trash Oldham, said: “The damage and litter left at these two parks is shameful.
“Our Don’t Trash Oldham teams have tidied up the rubbish that was left and will arrange to make any repairs that are needed.
“Sadly council taxpayers will ultimately be the ones paying picking up the bill.
“Nuisance fireworks and fires – and the impact they have on communities – are issues across the country, not just in Oldham.
“The council and GMP continue to get reports from across the borough about fireworks being let off at all hours of the night.
“We are committed to reducing the problems associated with them, including noise, littering, and anti-social behaviour.
“If fireworks are being let off after 11pm then please report this online to GMP or by calling 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk
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