Hunt to find firework peddlers
BANGERS ARE ‘MAKING LIVES MISERY’ IN WEST END – COUNCILLOR
AN appeal has been launched to expose fireworks suppliers who are “making life a misery” in Newcastle’s West End.
Authorities have pleaded with the public to come forward with information about the source of fireworks which councillors say have plagued the area for weeks with “shattering” noise.
The craze has seen explosives set off in Nuns Moor Park and in residential streets around the Wingrove and Arthur’s Hill areas – and there have even been claims of some being aimed at cows on the Town Moor.
Arthur’s Hill councillor Nigel Todd said: “The fireworks are being given to children and young people. Apart from the noise and anxiety caused to people and animals, there’s a real risk that someone will get badly hurt.
“These kinds of fireworks are not toys. Some of the devices used last year had been imported from China and were clearly designed for carefully managed public displays.
“We need to find whoever is giving out these fireworks, and there are a lot of them being exploded, and stop them.”
Coun Todd said the problem has been present for several weeks, but has become particularly bad in the past fortnight – and there are fears it will only get worse as Bonfire Night approaches.
He added: “I think it is just kids and young people going in for a bit of mindless excitement, but they don’t realise the effect it has on other people and animals – or the risk to
themselves. It has been particularly bad this year and it seems to get earlier every year. It just makes it an unpleasant place to be.
“The other big problem is that we have very little in the way of youth work because of cuts. The one project we had in the area (Churches Acting Together) closed about a year ago because it could not get funding from anywhere. They were very effective at getting out on the streets and engaging with young people and children.”
Northumbria Police confirmed it was working with Newcastle City Council to investigate “reports of individuals selling fireworks illegally and contributing to anti-social behaviour in the local community”.
A spokesman said: “We are carrying out a number of enquiries and urge anyone with any information to contact officers.”
Wingrove councillor Rebecca Shatwell said: “These fireworks are being let off day and night in the park and neighbouring streets, causing a nuisance and safety hazard for residents, especially dog walkers. We need to find out who’s supplying these dangerous fireworks to our children and young people and support the youth work we still have locally, much of which has been decimated by central government cuts.”
Anyone with information about the source of the fireworks is asked to contact the police by calling 101, or their local councillor.