Illegal firework stockpiling rising - campaigner

Calls are growing for stricter regulation of firework sales amid claims of a surge in illegal stockpiling.

Community campaigner Hamza Rehman, from Bradford, said fireworks were increasingly being bought in bulk and stored in private garages to be sold on.

Mr Rehman, who helps maintain West Park in Girlington, said the area was often left in an "absolute mess" because of firework-related trouble.

He spoke out as MPs were set to debate the topic, after two petitions submitted to Parliament called for tougher laws around the sale of fireworks.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore, who will open the debate, said: "Parliament owes it to the public to address this issue head-on."

Welcoming the discussion, Mr Rehman said he also hoped officials would take action locally.

"Dozens of families in the area are storing fireworks," he claimed.

"Rules need to be stricter around buying stock. People are getting them so easily."

Mr Rehman urged Bradford Council to bring in measures such as tamper-proof bins in parks, better lighting and CCTV, to reduce the impact of antisocial fireworks on neighbourhoods.

"We are absolutely sick to death of it," he said.

"This issue has been ongoing for 10 years and is getting worse. Fires and fireworks in the park are out of control."

He said while the problem peaked around Bonfire Night it was a year-round issue.

"The park has up to 10 fires every year. The pavilion itself is set on fire annually," he said.

"Kids attack each other, throw fireworks at adults, and damage public property."

He described how a recent event held by his group was targeted by people throwing fireworks, leading to a £3,500 bouncy castle being destroyed.

Mr Rehman said he wanted to see stricter licensing for stockists, limits on stock quantities, and stronger penalties for illegal sales, as well as new bylaws prohibiting sales for weddings and wedding halls throughout the year.

West Yorkshire Police said it was working with the council, fire service and Trading Standards to combat the issue and, last month, ran a campaign to highlight the dangers of misusing fireworks and the laws already in place.

Bradford Council said it "condemned" the antisocial and dangerous use of fireworks and would continue to lobby for tougher laws.

In response to the petitions, a Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: "The government has no plans to ban the sale of fireworks to the public but continues to monitor the situation.

"We believe the majority of individuals use fireworks safely and appropriately."

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