ST HELENS Council's Trading Standards service is backing a campaign to reduce fireworks misuse and anti-social behaviour in the lead-up to Bonfire Night.

The Good Guy campaign sees trading standards officers work with retailers to agree to limit the sales of fireworks during the period.

Retailers are required by law to have a licence to sell fireworks, with some permitted to sell fireworks all year while others just sell them specifically during the bonfire period from October 15 to November 11, and on other specified dates.

All 'good guy' retailers receive a certificate to display to customers that they only sell fireworks to over 18s and that they are legal and conform to British and European Safety Standards and will limit their sales to a specific period of their own choice, falling within the statutory dates.

Cllr Richard McCauley, cabinet member for urban regeneration, housing, planning and community safety, said: "We know that the majority of people who purchase fireworks are doing so to enjoy the festivities safely, using them in a responsible manner.

"But there are a small minority who misuse fireworks, throwing them and setting them off after 11pm in the build-up to bonfire night causing nuisance. You can only set fireworks off after 11pm on bonfire night itself, until midnight."

Cabinet member for environment and neighbourhoods, Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron added: “Every year our communities suffer from the actions of a mindless minority who endanger themselves and others by using fireworks irresponsibly.

“Fireworks represent a major temptation for some young people – and anything the retailers can do to help control their availability is very welcome.”