Shops pass firework test as common bonfire looms

THE Cronkeyshaw Common bonfire and fireworks display will be held tomorrow (Thursday)

The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and firework display will start at 7.30pm.

Meanwhile an undercover investigation found no premises were willing to sell fireworks to underage teens in Rochdale.

Twelve shops were visited by two volunteers aged 15 and 16 years old, who then attempted to buy a variety of fireworks.

The stores visited refused the sales when photographic age identification could not be produced to prove the customers were over 18.

Ten stores across the borough have signed up to the council’s ‘Good Guys’ scheme, which encourages shops to be responsible firework retailers in the run-up to Bonfire Night. In the Rochdale the stores are: Tesco, Silk Street; J and S Wilkinson, 177 Rochdale Road; Asda, Kingsway Retail Park; ASDA, Dane Street and The Range, Kingsway Retail Park.

Coun Jacqueline Beswick, Rochdale council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Fireworks are beautiful when they light up our skies but they can also be very dangerous and cause serious harm if used irresponsibly. That’s why I’m so pleased to see our retailers taking their responsibilities seriously and helping our residents have safe and enjoyable bonfire celebrations. Remember it’s more fun and safer to attend one of the council’s three organised fireworks displays, which are free. If you are having one at home, make sure you follow the fireworks code and only buy fireworks from our Good Guy retailers.”