Ealing Council is launching a crackdown on traders to keep the streets of Southall free from dodgy fireworks this autumn.

With Guy Fawkes’ Night and Diwali fast approaching, the Ealing Council is visiting shops to make sure traders only sell fireworks that comply with British safety standards.

Officers will also be making sure shopkeepers store fireworks correctly, in suitable display or storage cabinets and away from any possible sources of heat or ignition. Those who don’t could be putting themselves and their neighbours at risk and also face prosecution.

Ealing Council officers will be working alongside police on Guy Fawkes’ Night and Diwali to provide a visible presence on the streets and ensure that fireworks are handled correctly. Officers will also be carrying out undercover test purchase operations throughout the festival period to ensure fireworks are not sold to under-18s.

Residents are being asked to play their part by making sure they never buy fireworks from anyone in a pub car park or at a car boot sale. Shopkeepers are being reminded not to be tempted into buying cheap fireworks from unscrupulous traders. People who sell out of the back of a van aren’t licensed and often the fireworks haven’t been stored properly and don’t meet safety standards.

Councillor Sue Emment, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “Hundreds of visitors come to Ealing each year to celebrate festivals with family and friends. Many of them will use fireworks during the celebrations and we want to make sure they can do that safely.

“It really is sad that every year unscrupulous shopkeepers cash in on these festivals by selling dangerous fireworks. This crackdown is part of our drive to make the communities of Ealing safer. We hope residents will play their part by ensuring they only buy fireworks from reputable traders and making sure they store and use them safely.”

Residents are being advised to:
- never light fireworks in the street
- never throw fireworks
- never give them to children
- never store them near a source of ignition or in damp conditions
- not take them out and handle them until they’re ready to be used
- never buy fireworks that are inappropriate for the size of the garden or outside space where they’re intended to be used.

Anyone who wants further information about buying or using fireworks, or who has any information about anyone who might be trading illegally in fireworks, should call the Council’s Environmental Health and Trading Standards Department on 020 8825 6888.