Campaigner reports increase in illegal firework stockpiling

Increased calls for more stringent regulation of firework sales are emerging, alongside allegations of a rise in unlawful stockpiling. Hamza Rehman, a community campaigner based in Bradford, stated that fireworks are increasingly acquired in large quantities and kept in private garages for subsequent resale. Mr. Rehman, who contributes to the upkeep of West Park in Girlington, reported that the locality frequently becomes an “absolute mess” due to issues linked to fireworks. His comments coincided with an upcoming parliamentary debate on the subject, prompted by two petitions presented to Parliament advocating for more stringent legislation concerning firework sales. Keighley MP Robbie Moore, slated to initiate the debate, remarked: “Parliament owes it to the public to address this issue head-on.” Expressing approval for the discussion, Mr. Rehman also voiced his hope that local officials would implement measures. “Dozens of families in the area are storing fireworks,” he asserted. “Rules need to be stricter around buying stock. People are getting them so easily.” Mr. Rehman implored Bradford Council to introduce initiatives such as tamper-proof bins in parks, enhanced lighting, and CCTV, aiming to mitigate the effect of antisocial fireworks on residential areas. “We are absolutely sick to death of it,” he stated. “This issue has been ongoing for 10 years and is getting worse. Fires and fireworks in the park are out of control.” He noted that while the problem intensified around Bonfire Night, it constituted a year-round concern. He added: “The park has up to 10 fires every year. The pavilion itself is set on fire annually.” “Kids attack each other, throw fireworks at adults, and damage public property.” He recounted how a recent event organized by his group was targeted by individuals discharging fireworks, resulting in the destruction of a £3,500 bouncy castle. Mr. Rehman expressed a desire for more rigorous licensing for stockists, restrictions on stock quantities, and more severe penalties for unlawful sales, in addition to new bylaws banning sales for weddings and wedding halls year-round. West Yorkshire Police reported its collaboration with the council, fire service, and Trading Standards to address the problem, and confirmed that last month it conducted a campaign to emphasize the hazards of firework misuse and the current legal framework. Bradford Council stated it “condemned” the antisocial and hazardous deployment of fireworks and would persist in advocating for more stringent legislation. Responding to the petitions, a spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade commented: “The government has no plans to ban the sale of fireworks to the public but continues to monitor the situation.” “We believe the majority of individuals use fireworks safely and appropriately.”