Following the fireworks code: Good Guys scheme sets off with a bang

Fireworks

The borough’s firework retailers proved they really are ‘Good Guys’ as recent undercover tests found none selling to under 18s.

Twelve premises were visited last week by two volunteers aged 15 and 16 years old, who then attempted to buy a variety of fireworks.

The stores visited refused the sales when photographic age identification could not be produced to prove the customers were over 18.

Officers from the council’s public protection service and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had previously visited fireworks retailers, to remind them of their legal obligations and invite them to sign up to council’s ‘Good Guy’ scheme, which encourages retailers to trade responsibly during the run-up to bonfire night.

This year, ten retailers signed up to the scheme, which has been operating since 2004, which means they must follow a code of conduct that prevents firework nuisance, including not selling to under 18s, and only selling fireworks which comply with safety regulations, such as those with the ‘CE’ marking.

The ten ‘Good Guy’ retailers are: 

• Bulldog Fireworks, Lower Whittle Farm, Doctor Fold Lane, Heywood.
• Bulldog Fireworks, Unit 2, Southgate Industrial Estate, Heywood.
• Morrisons, Dawson Street, Heywood.
• All In One Garden Centre, Rochdale Road, Middleton.
• Tesco, Park Road, Middleton.
• Tesco, Silk Street, Rochdale.
• J and S Wilkinson, 177 Rochdale Road, Rochdale.
• ASDA, Unit 2 Kingsway Retail Park, Rochdale.
• ASDA, Dane Street, Rochdale.
• The Range, Kingsway Retail Park, Rochdale.

Councillor Jacqueline Beswick, Rochdale Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Fireworks are beautiful when they light up our skies but they can also be very dangerous and cause serious harm if used irresponsibly.

"That is why I am so pleased to see our retailers taking their responsibilities seriously and helping our residents have safe and enjoyable bonfire celebrations.

"Remember it is more fun and safer to attend one of the council’s three organised fireworks displays, which are free.

"If you are having one at home, make sure you follow the fireworks code and only buy fireworks from our Good Guy retailers.”