Keep safe with firework ‘good guys’

Responsible retail: Inspector Troisi of Greater Manchester Police, Colin Moran of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service, Councillor Ibrar Khan and Ted Flynn, Andy Collinson of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service and Michaela Monk of Rochdale Council’s Trading standards.

Look out for the firework ‘Good Guys’ is the advice from Rochdale Council for anyone planning to buy fireworks this year.

In the run up to this year’s bonfire night, retailers throughout Rochdale and Greater Manchester have again been asked to join the ‘Good Guy’ scheme aimed at combating the anti-social misuse of fireworks.

Participating retailers have agreed to support a code of conduct that will restrict firework nuisance in the weeks leading up to bonfire night and encourage everyone to be responsible with fireworks.

Good Guy retailers are displaying posters and certificates so that everyone buying fireworks knows which ‘Good Guys’ to buy from.

Complaints about illegal firework sales and firework nuisance have dropped significantly since the introduction of the scheme by Rochdale Council in 2004. The scheme has since been adopted by other authorities in the Greater Manchester Public Protection Partnership.

Chief Trading Standards Officer at the Council, Andy Glover said the scheme will continue to ensure that the nuisance and anti-social behaviour caused by fireworks is kept to a minimum: "Thanks to the Good Guy scheme, reports of firework nuisance were down significantly last year and the number of complaints about underage sales also dropped. So anyone who is not going to an organised display this year should buy their fireworks from a ‘Good Guy’ for a safer, friendlier bonfire night.

"Although 5 November is a night of fun and celebration, the use and abuse of fireworks brings a number of dangers which can turn fun into tragedy. We work closely with the retail trade, and with communities, to educate, inform and, where necessary enforce."

Councillor Ted Flynn added that the aim is to make sure that residents are kept safe while enjoying the celebrations, as more accidents can occur at this time of year: "The weeks around bonfire night can be a nightmare for parents with young children, older people, pet owners and many others. People buying fireworks from the ‘Good Guys’ are helping to put more neighbourliness into bonfire night.”