News

"Home Safe and Sound" is the national theme for this year’s National Consumer Week which runs from Oct 31 to Nov 6.

As part of the week’s events the Borough of Poole’s Environmental & Consumer Protection Services is highlighting several areas where they can help residents to stay safe at home:

• Go to an organised display rather than buying fireworks. \n

• If you do hold your own display in a back garden, follow the user instructions supplied in the fireworks box. \n

• Only buy from reputable licensed sellers. They sell fireworks that meet British Standards. Only use fireworks marked as conforming to BS 7114:1988. \n

• Remember to stay safe when lighting fireworks - don’t drink when lighting fireworks as alcohol and fireworks together can lead to accidents. \n

• Bonfires should be at least 18 metres away from houses, trees, hedges, fences or sheds. \n

• Keep within the law. Do not light fireworks on any evening after 11 pm, or after the extension of 12 midnight on 5^th November and Diwali. For New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year the extension runs to 01:00am. Remember your neighbours. \n

• It is illegal to sell fireworks to under 18s and it is an offence for under 18s to possess fireworks in a public place. \n

All these measures are there to deal with the problems that have been experienced previously through the anti-social use of fireworks.

Cllr Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Borough of Poole, said: "So far in 2005 the reported incidents of anti-social behaviour or nuisance associated with fireworks appear to have reduced with less complaints recorded so far. I’m pleased to see people are thinking of their neighbours and seem to be using fireworks more responsibly."

• Don’t be pressurised into agreeing to buy something that you do not want. \n

• Display ‘We don’t buy from doorstep sellers’ cards. \n

• If you do buy you have cancellation rights when an uninvited caller sells you goods/services costing over £35. \n

• Don’t let strangers into your home – better safe than sorry. And if you are ever in doubt about your safety contact the Police. \n

If you are unsure of your rights you can contact the Council’s Consumer Advice Helpline on 01202 261700, or Consumer Direct on 08454 040506. You can also contact these numbers if you have concerns about uninvited doorstep sellers operating in your area.

• Do not send money if you receive a notification that you have won a prize. These prize scams can arrive in the post, by email or through telephone calls. \n

• Do not phone premium rate telephone numbers to see if you have won a prize unless you are prepared to pay the cost of the telephone call – calls vary from 50p into double figures. \n

To reduce the amount of unsolicited contacts that you receive you can register with the relevant Preference Service.

Mailing Preference Service
Freepost 22
London W1E 7EZ

Telephone preference number for registration

0845 070 0702

E mails Preference Service details for registration: