People in Shildon and the surrounding areas are being urged to play it safe in the run-up to bonfire night.

Durham County Council is working with other members of the Safe Durham Partnership to ensure residents have a safe and happy 5th November.

From 31st October, neighbourhood wardens will carry out extra patrols in hot spot areas to check for illegal bonfires, which will be removed. They will be on duty until 7th November.

Meanwhile, representatives from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) will be visiting schools around the county to talk about the importance of staying safe around bonfires and fireworks.

Members of the public are asked to play their part in the following ways:

• Only attend organised public firework displays. A list of events can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/fireworks.

• Anyone wishing to hold their own display is strongly urged to read firework instructions carefully and keep everyone at a safe distance.

• Only put rubbish and recycling bins out on the day of collection and return them as soon as possible to avoid any waste being used as fuel for bonfires.

• Ensure yards and gardens are clear of rubbish that could be set alight or used for bonfires.

• Don’t buy fireworks from social media sites or from private houses as sellers are often unlicensed and the fireworks supplied can be both illegal and dangerous.

• Report the sale of fireworks to children or the sale of illegal fireworks, such as bangers and mini rockets, to Durham County Council’s firework hotline on 03000 260 913.

• Report illegal bonfires by calling 03000 260 000.

• Remember that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to be in possession of fireworks in a public space.

Members of the council’s trading standards team will be out and about visiting retailers over the coming weeks to offer advice about the safe storage and sale of fireworks.

Retailers and residents are also reminded that certain fireworks, including bangers, air bombs and jumping jacks, are banned in the UK.

This is regardless of whether they are CE marked and approved for sale in other EU countries.

Andrew Allison, community safety manager for CDDFRS, said, “Fireworks can seriously injure and scar people for life if they are not treated with care. It is important that they meet safety standards and they should also be stored properly. The smart way to stay safe is to go to an organised display. You’ll see a lot more fireworks and it’s a lot cheaper.”