Partners turn up the heat on firework fiends (Status: Press release)

FIREWORK fiends will be feeling the heat this Autumn when enforcement agencies across the county launch a major crackdown on illegal practices.
The newly-formed Oxfordshire Fireworks Partnership will be hitting the streets in a bid to improve public safety during the firework season.

Officers from Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards will carry out evening patrols with Thames Valley Police, Cherwell, South Oxfordshire, West Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils and Oxford City Council.

Support will be provided at all times by Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service.
Roving patrol cars will visit areas known to attract firework misuse and clamp down on anti-social and illegal behaviour.

Teams will also carry out spot-checks at local shops to root out traders selling illegal or unsafe fireworks, as well as those breaking storage regulations.

An underage test-purchasing exercise will take place to identify traders selling fireworks to under-18s.

Fears during firework season

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Judith Heathcoat, said: “This is an exciting new partnership to improve public safety at what can be a dangerous and frightening time for many people.
“By working with the police and our district and city council partners we have a breadth of expertise and local knowledge at our disposal to make what we hope will be a significant impact. We really feel like we’ve lit the blue touch paper here.”

Oxfordshire Commander, Chief Supt Brendan O’Dowda, added: “This is an excellent initiative which involves all partner agencies coming together to tackle anti-social behaviour and criminal damage that unfortunately takes place when fireworks get into the wrong hands.
“When fireworks are used properly, they can provide a spectacular centre piece to an event. When fireworks are used illegally, they can intimidate law-abiding members of the public and, above all, put people in danger.
“Anyone who flouts the law could end up with a prison sentence or a