Trading Standards at Caerphilly County Borough Council are warning residents not to illegally buy fireworks after a Bargoed man was convicted.
On October 22 2012 at Abergavenny Magistrates’ Court, Wayne Jones, 46, of Llancayo Street, Bargoed, was convicted of selling and storing fireworks illegally.
He was sentenced to a 12 month condition discharge and was ordered to pay £563.95 in costs to the council and to forfeit the fireworks.
Two days later on October 24, Trading Standards officers, along Gwent Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue, raided two residential properties in Caerphilly and Gelligaer seizing a quantity of illegally stored fireworks – including some against radiators.
Three people are currently being investigated in relation to the illegal storage and sale of fireworks at these premises’ under The Fireworks Act 2003 and The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Cllr Dave Poole, cabinet member for community and leisure services, said: “Safety of our residents is paramount and, especially at this time of year, we would like to remind everyone to act responsibly around fireworks, and to purchase them from a legally registered retailer. I would encourage anyone who knows of any illegal activity surrounding firework storage or sales, to report it to Trading Standards immediately.”
Bargoed Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant, Nic Mancino said: “Fireworks can pose a serious danger to anybody using or storing them illegally. Together with our partner agencies we are trying to prevent any serious incidents or injuries occurring as a result of illegal activity in relation to the sale or storage of them. We are working with partners to minimise the effect these dangerous items can have on members of the public and will continue to take action against anybody or any business illegally storing or selling fireworks.”