With bonfire night fast approaching, Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards Service isurging people across the county to “Remember, remember the 5th of November,” and ensure they have fully understood the safety instructions displayed on their fireworks, including the safe distance from which to enjoy them.

A large number of fireworks on sale this year are of the Category 3 variety. These are powerful fireworks; in order to view the display safely, spectators must be standing at least 25 metres away.

This is a safety concern as few people have access to that amount of space, or appreciate how far the distance actually is.

Councillor Janet Willis, Portfolio Holder for Trading Standards, said: “We don’t want to dampen anyone’s mood this Bonfire night, but I would urge anybody buying fireworks to follow all the accompanying instructions very carefully and ensure that spectators are standing the recommended distance away.”

John Greenbank, Cumbria Trading Standards Manager, said: “Regardless of how responsible the person lighting the fireworks may be, lighting them in a small garden can put everyone’s safety at risk.”

Trading Standards are working closely with Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, and will be visiting local retailers to ensure their fireworks are being stored safely and securely, and supplied by reputable manufacturers.

If you are concerned about fireworks being sold illegally in your area, please contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.