Police pledge extra patrols in Burnley to crackdown on anti-social behaviour after reports of fireworks plaguing town's streets

Officers will be carrying out high-visiblity patrols to ensure everyone can enjoy the Bonfire Night period safely.

The move comes after fireworks have been exploding in the early hours of the morning in parts of Burnley, causing a misery and sleepless nights for residents. The noise from the bangers and rockets has also resulted in pets and children being left petrified.

Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham is urging people to be responsible with fireworks. He said: "Lots of us enjoy fireworks when celebrating, but there is a right way to do this - responsibly and respectfully - and a wrong way which just aggravates others or puts people at risk.

"Having spoken to many residents about where people are using them irresponsibly, showing disregard for others, I've raised this with the police. They have confirmed that extra patrols will be out on and around Halloween and Bonfire Night to respond quickly to any incidents and anti-social behaviour, with fire-fighters also joining them.”

A spokesman for Lancashire Police confirmed this. "With regards to fireworks, I want to clarify that in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire NIght, there will be an increase in visible police patrols in key areas across Burnley and Padiham, with the purpose of reducing firework-related ant-social behaviour.

"Also, on the following dates, police are taking part in a dedicated, divisional, multi-agency response car that will have on-board a firefighter and a police officer and which will be deployed, in the first instance, to Bonfire Night related incidents and ASB. The dates are: October 31st, November 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th. We will also be looking to pass key messages to our communities via social media and other communication platforms over the forthcoming weeks in respect of Halloween and Bonfire Night.”

Coun. Lian Pate, deputy leader and executive member for health and wellbeing at Burnley Borough Council, welcomed the extra police presence, but is also asking vigilant members of the public to report the illegal selling of fireworks.

She explained: "Fireworks in the wrong hands are at best a nuisance and at worst a danger. The place for fireworks is in the hands of sensible adults.

"We know that the current COVID-19 restrictions mean that the usual organised displays and gatherings can't take place, and, of course this is disappointing. But we ask people to be sensible with their private displays; not everyone enjoys the loud bangs. Please keep them to the appropriate days to minimise any negative impacts to people and pets."

She added: "But we can't tolerate misuse. If anyone knows of a shop, outlet or anyone else that is selling them to people, either 'under the counter' or to kids, then I urge them to report this to the police or Trading Standards to make sure that action is taken."