Fireworks drive is a sparkling success

A Staffordshire campaign to deliver firework safety messages has once again proved to be a huge success.

A range of safety messages was delivered to a variety of audiences in the run-up to and during Bonfire Night.

The annual Operation Good Guy saw Staffordshire County Council trading standards join with the fire and rescue service and police. They worked with retailers licensed to sell fireworks to ensure that they were storing goods safely and were aware of their responsibilities.

One particular concern is selling fireworks to underage customers. Trading standards officers carried out test purchases at 59 businesses in Staffordshire, resulting in two underage sales being made – just over three percent.

This compares with 5.6 percent underage sales from test purchases in 2008 and 13.7 percent in 2007.

Work with schools has also been a key element of Operation Good Guy. A hard-hitting presentation was delivered by the fire and rescue service to secondary schools which highlighted the dangers.

A poster competition run by trading standards, with 236 children taking part, helped to ensure that primary school pupils had the opportunity to think about safety measures.

Cabinet member Councillor Ben Adams said: “All partners involved are committed to working with local communities.

“It is great to see that year on year, the number of underage sales is being reduced.”

“The county council fireworks hotline has also proved to be a great success once again, with a wide range of calls made by Staffordshire residents looking for advice and information about fireworks.”