Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 01/09/2010 12:19

Councillor brings firework sellers together to discuss safe sales to encourage safe use of fireworks this autumn.
Cornwall Councillor Lance Kennedy has invited all firework sellers in Bodmin to a meeting to discuss the safe sale of fireworks within the town, to encourage their safe use this autumn.
Cllr Kennedy says “As the Cornwall Council cabinet member for community safety and neighbourhoods, I have responsibility for our Fire and Rescue Service and I am keen to see the message about the safe use of fireworks taken seriously.
“Following the tragic fire at Wallace Road last year which was caused by a firework, we are working alongside our Fire and Rescue Service and the Police with the Fox family, local shops and supermarkets to provide training for staff selling fireworks so that they can let their customers know how fireworks should be handled and the risks associated with misusing fireworks. We hope to bring home to people a crucial message about their safe use.”
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service’s Dave Carlisle said “We had a positive response from three major vendors in the town who want to work with us and the Police to raise awareness of the dangers of improper use of fireworks. We’re going to talk to the other stores in Bodmin and hope they will join our campaign and give out our message of Safe Sell - Safe Use. Responsibility is a key part of the Firework Code and signing up to this as either a retailer or customer is critical to public safety and a fun event.”
Cornwall Council’s Bodmin Community Network Manager, Martin Eddy, is pleased with the results so far. “We all met to gain a better understanding of the circumstances that led to the fire at Wallace Road and use these lessons to ensure something like this does not happen again and we are all pleased to be working with the Fox family. Cornwall Council’s Fire and Rescue Service has been knocking on doors offering local residents a simple home fire safety check and we are engaging with young people to help clean up the town.”
The Safe Sell - Safe Use campaign is part of a wider campaign to reassure the community as the first anniversary of the fire at Wallace Road, Bodmin approaches on Bonfire Night. The wider campaign led by the Police is known as Operation Jackson. As well as Cornwall Council’s Fire and Rescue Service Operation Jackson involves Cornwall Council’s housing, children’s service, public health and protection and localism service.
Cllr Lance Kennedy will be writing to the other vendors in Bodmin inviting them to take part in the initiative.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=7261