Dear Residents,

Oldham Council and GMP are working closely with community partners in  response to complaints about nuisance fireworks.

The local authority and GMP have recently received reports from across the borough about fireworks being let off at all hours of the night.

Sadly this is an issue across the country, not just in Oldham - but the local authority and GMP staff are committed to reducing the problems associated with them, including noise, littering and anti-social behaviour.

Our response includes:

Enhanced licensing checks at shops, including extra visits.  Anyone found to be breaching existing laws will be dealt with accordingly.

Visiting venues known to use fireworks to remind them of the rules and ensuring that they are aware of their responsibilities.

Mapping out known hotspots to ensure that they are regularly monitored by officers or the appropriate authorities.

Establishing a single point of contact for fireworks complaints, in order to help build a clearer intelligence picture.

Engaging with local schools, to remind young people of the risks that come with firework usage.

Fireworks are legal and noise in inevitable, especially at certain times of the year, including Bonfire Night.

However, when the noise is persistent and at unsociable hours, council staff and GMP officers will investigate and act where possible.

If fireworks are being let off between 11pm and 7am and outside of specific occasions listed under the Fireworks Regulations Act 2004, please report to GMP by calling 101, or calling Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.  You can also share information online at Home | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)

If someone is persistently letting off fireworks on their property during the permitted times of 7am and 11pm and a resident feels it is causing a nuisance, they can report this to Oldham Council's Environmental Health team by emailing ENVhealth@oldham.gov.uk

Regards,

Saddleworth Neighbourhood Team