Fireworks plea (From Barry And District News)

Fireworks plea

A HOTLINE set up by Vale of Glamorgan Trading Standards to tackle the growing problem of fireworks misuse has had a "modest response" from residents.

Trading Standards asked the public to let them know of any anti-social firework incidents or any illegal selling of fireworks in their neighbourhoods.

But no calls have been received relating to fireworks being sold from houses, pubs, vans or to underage youths.

The hotline, which was set-up after the high number of complaints received last year, is expected to see a rise in the number of calls over the next month.

A Trading Standards spokeswoman said: "Our colleagues in Environmental Health have received a small number of calls relating to noise nuisance caused by fireworks and we anticipate this could rise as November 5 approaches.

"However, we would urge the public to help us to locate the persistent offenders and support the Vale council's efforts to control the misuse of fireworks within the local community by calling the helpline on 01446 709105.

If a member of the public does not wish to speak to anyone they can also use the tscomplaints@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk email address."

But Councillor Rob Curtis has called for the dangers of misusing fireworks to be brought to the attention of secondary school children across the Vale.

Cllr Curtis said: "Trading Standards need to go to Secondary schools and show youths the dangers of fireworks, show them burns, show them pictures of casualties to make them aware of the risks.

We need to target the whole of the Vale of Glamorgan."