Fireworks have been seized after being illegally stashed in a container.
Following a tip-off Trading Standards officers from North Tyneside Council, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police swooped on a business in Shiremoor.
Officers uncovered the haul of more than 15kg of fireworks being kept alongside flammable chemicals and other items inside a storage container on the business’ site.
The joint operation was launched after reports of youths using fireworks in an anti-social manner in the local area.
The discovery was found to be contrary to the Explosive Regulations 2014 because the fireworks were not being stored safely and the owner did not have a storage licence.
The owner stated that the fireworks were for personal use and were not being sold illegally. All the fireworks were subsequently seized by the fire service.
The visit to the premises took place on Thursday (October 31). The next day, Trading Standards officers and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service visited a number of independent retailers in the borough that were selling fireworks.
They checked that the fireworks were being stored safely and reminded retailers of their responsibilities not to sell them to anyone aged under 18.
Alan Burnett, Trading Standards and Licensing Group Leader, said: “This seizure of fireworks shows that, working with our partners, we take swift action in response to safety concerns. It prevented a possible accident and people coming to harm.”
Ian Bell, Group Manager at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This seizure is a timely reminder for both businesses and members of the public that fireworks are explosives, and as such, they need to be stored safely.
“When businesses apply for a licence to sell fireworks, we inspect their premises to make sure that they have suitable storage arrangements in place and the terms of the licence specify the maximum amount of explosive content that can be stored.
“We strongly encourage residents to only buy fireworks from licensed retailers and once bought, store them in a safe place out of the reach of children and well away from any heat sources or flammable materials.”
The Trading Standards service is delivered for North Tyneside Council by its partner Capita.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Under the the Explosives Regulations 2014 provides no person may store more than 5kg of explosives (including fireworks) (subject to certain exceptions) unless they obtain a storage licence from the Fire Service or Local Authority (in some areas) and such explosives should be stored safely.
