Furious residents in Oldham have said they are ‘sick to death’ of nuisance fireworks being repeatedly let off in the early hours of the morning.
Police have said they are planning on tackling the issue along with the council, after receiving reports of ‘fireworks being let off at all hours of the night’ that has been going on for a number of months.
Posts in local social media groups by those living in the borough have recently slammed those letting off the fireworks which are booming over houses after the legal time of 11pm.
Residents in the Featherstall area of Oldham previously told the Manchester Evening News they’ve been dealing with an ongoing problem with fireworks for years. The displays take place so late they regularly wake those with jobs and young children – the bangs often continuing up until 1am.
Locals revealed the fireworks go off up to three times a week and can go on for up to 20 minutes at a time.
One more recent post from a resident in Chadderton, who shared videos of fireworks booming at 12.12am on August 27, read: “Absolutely sick to death of this. walked up again in my pyjamas to the house where it is happening and got mocked and filmed by a massive group of men laughing in my face.”
Another person responded: “It was horrible last night, they went on for ages,” as a third commented: “Had a rough nights sleep last night due to the fireworks at midnight. Up at 5am this morning for work and I’m goosed. Will it ever end? I wish someone would help us sort this. It’s too late to set fireworks off during the week when people work full time.”
A separate post on social media read: “This is so bloody wrong. It’s 12.10am. Sounds like a third world war has started. When is something going to be done?”
And a resident in Lees posted: “1.15am, fireworks again!!!!!! I’m past exhausted, I’m past being on autopilot, I feel like I’m dead!!!! I really don’t know how I’m putting one foot in front of the other!!!!!”
According to Greater Manchester Police, fireworks can not be let off between the hours of 11pm and 7am, outside of specific occasions listed under the Fireworks Regulations Act 2004, including Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve.
The force is now working with Oldham Council to tackle the persistent issue and has asked residents to report any incidents that breach these rules immediately.
Enhanced licensing checks are being carried out at shops, with officials mapping out popular hotspots to ensure they are regularly monitored.
An Oldham Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the issues fireworks are having locally and we appreciate and understand the frustrations of residents. Rest assured we taking the issue seriously and work is already underway with our partners, including GMP and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to address it.
“We’ll be inspecting businesses which sell fireworks to make sure they are sticking to the law and we’ll act if they aren’t. Last year we ordered a number of wedding venues to stop using fireworks after we received complaints – and we will do that again if it is required.
Superintendent Phillip Hutchinson, from GMP’s Oldham district, added: “Once we receive reports of nuisance fireworks, we appropriately assess the incidents and ensure those involved are acting within the confines of the law.
“While some may think that fireworks can be harmless fun, others can be distressed by the problems that can ensure from their use: noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour.
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