Halton Borough Council is warning of the dangers of buyng fireworks from unlicensed retailers.
Trading Standards officers are advising residents to be make sure that they are buying fireworks from licensed firework shops. These shops are visited by trading standards to make sure that fireworks meet strict safety standards and are being stored safely.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “As well as putting themselves and the public at risk unlicensed sellers are unlikely to have insurance to provide cover in case an accident occurs involving firework.
“Illegally storing fireworks at home for the purpose of selling them is also likely to invalidate your home insurance
“Any fireworks should be marked with a CE mark and should contain clear instructions and warnings in English on how they should be used and what safety precautions to take.”
As well as the safety requirements it is also illegal to sell category F2 and F3 fireworks to under 18s.
Residents can contact trading standards via 03454 04 05 06 to report any instances of fireworks being offered for sale in suspicious circumstances such as from home addresses or via social media.
• We would urge residents wanting to buy fireworks to visit our licensed retailers in Halton;
Aldi, Unit 6 Trident Retail Park, Halton Lea, WA7 2FQ
Aldi, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6UF
Asda, West Lane, Halton Lea, WA7 2PY
Asda, Widnes Road, Widnes, WA8 6AF
Lidl, Unit 1 Edwards Road, Runcorn, WA7 2XP
Morrisons, Green Oaks Way, Widnes, WA8 6UA
Paul Niblock, 140 Birchfield Road, Widnes, WA8 9ED
Poundland, Widnes Shopping Park, Widnes, WA8 7TN (sparklers/fountains only)
Rightway LTD, Unit 3, Linkway, WA7 5EJ
Tesco Superstore, Ashley Retail Park, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 7YT
The Range, Unit 87, Halton Lea Shopping Centre, Town Square, WA7 2EU