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Remember 5th November for the right reasons

31/10/2002

CITY bosses are urging everyone to make sure they have a Bonfire Night to remember for the right reasons by taking advantage of a new safety scheme.

And they are also supporting The Advertiser's 'shop-a-shop' campaign, warning shopkeepers they will throw the book at any traders found selling fireworks to underage kids.

Salford City Council, eager to keep down the number of accidents caused by fireworks, have released a bonfire registration scheme.

The scheme offers safety tips to organisers of private celebrations in exchange for the registration of the name and location of the event and details of any private bonfires via a special telephone line.

Special information packs will be sent to callers who phone 793 2022 to help families plan a safe, successful evening of fireworks fun.

The scheme, which has been set up with help from police and firefighters, aims to not only reduce problems caused by youngsters messing around with fireworks but also prevent injuries.

The council is also urging as many people as possible to come to their specially organised free event held at Buile Hill Park on Tuesday November 5, which attracted 14,000 people last year.

Meanwhile, the trading standards department is investigating calls to The Advertiser's special fireworks hotline. The 'shop-a-shop' line, set up several weeks ago, has been buzzing with Salford folk eager to name shops, pubs and even individuals who have been flouting the law by selling fireworks to underage youngsters.

Names and addresses have been passed onto the council's trading standards department, which is now sending youngsters around to the stores in an attempt to buy fireworks. Any traders found breaking the law could face tough fines or have their license taken from them.

A council spokesman said: "We're delighted with the response from the public on fireworks and bonfire issues and we will be continuing with our registration scheme until Bonfire Night.

"We will also continue to investigate all the incidents reported of fireworks being sold to young people. We would like to thank The Advertiser for drawing attention to this problem."

• JOIN the Advertiser's campaign for firework safety and take firefighters out of the firing line. If you know of any shop or individual selling fireworks to under 18s, call our firework hotline on 0161 707 9806 and let us know. They can't be allowed to get away with it and with your help, they won't!