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Sparks fly in Gateshead

TWO Gateshead shops could be facing a fine of upto £5,000 if they are found guilty of selling fireworks illegally.

The shops – one in Whickham and the other in Sheriff Hill – where caught selling fireworks to a 16 year old child as part of a test purchasing exercise by Gateshead Trading Standards.

Both shops had previously been visited by Trading Standards Officers and given advice on the law. However, when they returned a few days later they found that their advice was being ignored.

Anneliese Hutchinson, Head of Development and Public Protection, says: “We are very disappointed that local shops, despite our advice and warnings, are still selling potentially dangerous fireworks to children.

“What is even more disturbing is the fact that Category 3 Display fireworks - which are so powerful they require spectators to be 25 metres away rather than 5 m for normal garden fireworks – are being openly sold to children, who could not only seriously harm themselves but could harm other people, too. “

The sales are currently being investigated with the possibility of legal action against the shop owners as well as the staff who sold them.

The North EAST had the second highest number of firework injuries in the country last year with 100 people being hospitalised due to firework or bonfire injuries.

Rob Blenkinsop, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We work with our partners including the police and the local authorities to ensure that retailers are abiding by the law regarding storing and selling fireworks.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .