Rush continues fight over deadly Fireworks!

Heywood Councillor Peter Rush has added his voice to those wanting to see the banning of over the counter sale of fireworks in the Borough. Councillor Rush's call came just months after a Motion went to Rochdale Council making the same call.

Councillor Rush said, "The misuse of fireworks is something that this Council takes very seriously and I would like to thank the many retailers in Heywood who signed up to the Council's Good Guy Scheme - a scheme that was hugely successful this year. We are currently waiting for a multi-agency review of the problems this year. This will include a look at the effectiveness of the Fireworks Act 2003, the current Government position is that they will not consider banning the over the counter sales until they look at how this act is helping. I am also concerned that at least one shop in Heywood has opened just to sell fireworks - this I'm afraid unacceptable. Their greed offers absolutely nothing to Heywood and this practice should be outlawed."

Council Leader - Alan Taylor said, "This Council is not in the habit of dropping an issue when the problems die down. This will be a subject that is on the agenda of the next meeting with our Borough's MPs. Over the next year we will look at how as a Council we can continue to work with the Trading Standards and the Fire and Police Authorities to continue our hard work to protect the residents of this Borough from the anti-social use of fireworks. It is hoped that once the Government realise the limitations of the Fireworks Act - The Government will take on board our request to be a Pilot Area for the comprehensive banning of the over the counter sale of fireworks. The battle to protect residents during Bonfire Night 2007 starts now!"