Unlicensed fireworks were seized from a Peterborough shop this afternoon (Friday, 6 November), with Bonfire night weekend looming.
The action was a joint effort from Peterborough City Council's trading standards team, together with support from Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The inspection of the address – on Lincoln Road – took place as a result of intelligence which suggested fireworks were being sold from the address, despite the occupant not having a licence to do so.
Enforcement officers from the city council entered the premises alongside police, where fireworks with a weight of more than 21kg net explosive content (NEC) were found to be stored. NEC is the total mass of explosive substances, excluding packaging, outer casings, containers, or inert components. These were subsequently seized.
Councillor Zameer Ali, cabinet member for communities and public safety, said: "In the lead up to Bonfire Night, the community in this area has been disturbed by several firework related incidents, which have been widely reported on.
"While we don't know if these are linked, I am relieved that this sizeable quantity of fireworks has been removed from this address, as it was clearly presenting a hazard to those who lived nearby.
"There are obvious serious safety risks in buying, storing and selling fireworks in an unlicensed premises. Fireworks are explosives and those sold by unlicensed sellers may not meet safety standards. They could be improperly stored, incorrectly labelled, damaged and unsafe to use, increasing the risk of injury, property damage and fire."
Sam Tucker, Peterborough Neighbourhoods Inspector, said: “Our officers joined partners in visiting this premises as part of our ongoing efforts to tackle issues involving inappropriate use of fireworks in the city.
“We have attended a number of incidents over the past few days, and we will continue to work with partner agencies to tackle the issue.
“Additional patrols will take place in the area tonight and this weekend, and we would strongly urge anyone with any concerns to report this to us, so we can build an accurate picture of anti-social behaviour in the area and work to combat this."
If you believe someone is selling fireworks illegally, then contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or www.citizensadvice.org.uk
If someone is in immediate danger always call 999.