GMP officers in Oldham continue to work closely with partners following nuisance fireworks reports

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.

Chief Superintendent Phillip Hutchinson, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “Together with our partners, we are determined to act on nuisance fireworks and ensure those involved are acting within the confines of the law.

“While some may think that fireworks can be harmless fun, continued use in certain areas can lead to anxiety and distress for residents, who may feel like they can’t get peace and quiet in their own home.

“We are investigating all the reports that come into us, as they greatly aid our ability to pinpoint when and where we are needed. In addition to taking a strong stance on making sure fireworks are used properly, our school engagement officers are actively working with the youth of our community in order to highlight the risks.

“I would ask anyone with any issues or concerns to continue to raise them with us or the council in order to aid us with our plan to tackle such antisocial behaviour.”

Councillor Chris Goodwin, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We are aware of the issues fireworks are having on our local communities and we appreciate and understand the frustrations and the disruption this is causing.

“Together we are committed to tackling this situation, and work is already underway to address this anti-social behaviour, with joint efforts being made by all partners, including Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

“This includes inspecting businesses across Oldham who sell fireworks to ensure this is done correctly in accordance with their permitted licenses, with action being taken against anyone who does not comply, or if any wrongdoing is found.

“Local neighbourhoods and hot spot areas of anti-social behaviour are also being regularly patrolled by the police to deter fireworks from being used after 11pm, while Oldham Council is re-engaging with local wedding venues to remind them of their responsibilities about the use of fireworks on their premises.

“In the meantime, the council will continue to work with all partners and our communities to promote respectful and sensible use of fireworks. We will also represent the views and concerns of our residents to government departments responsible for policy and legislation.”

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 [email protected].