Update on Fireworks from GM Police and Oldham Council

Neighbourhood officers in Oldham are continuing to work closely with the council and other community partners in response to complaints about nuisance fireworks.

The local policing team and the council has received reports about fireworks occurring at all hours of the night, which includes complaints about various locations having consistent noise issues.

Greater Manchester Police and Oldham Council have had meetings to discuss the issue of fireworks and are both committed to reducing the problems associated with them, including noise, littering, and anti-social behaviour.

In response, local officers and partners have been tackling the issue through multiple avenues:

• Enhanced licensing checks at shops, including extra visits. Anyone found to be breaching existing laws will be dealt with accordingly.
• Visiting venues known to use fireworks to remind them of the rules and ensuring that they are aware of their responsibilities.
• Mapping out known hotspots to ensure that they are regularly monitored by officers or the appropriate authorities.
• Establishing a single point of contact for fireworks complaints, in order to help build a clearer intelligence picture.
• Engaging with local schools, to remind young people of the risks that come with firework usage.

Fireworks are legal and noise is inevitable, especially at certain times of the year, including Bonfire Night. However, when the noise is persistent and at unsociable hours, Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Police are determined to investigate and act where possible.

If fireworks are being let off between 11pm and 7am and outside of specific occasions listed under the Fireworks Regulations Act 2004, please report this to GMP by calling 101, or calling Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. You can also share information online at www.gmp.police.uk.

If someone is persistently letting off fireworks on their property during the permitted times of 7am and 11pm, and a resident feels it is causing a nuisance, they can report this to Oldham Council’s Environmental Health team by emailing ENVhealth@oldham.gov.uk.