Ealing Council officers and police will be carrying out joint patrols during October and November, taking action against irresponsible traders selling fireworks.

Thousands of fireworks will be sold over the next four weeks when Bonfire Night and Diwali is celebrated.

Ealing Council’s officers will be visiting shops selling fireworks to make sure they are following the correct storage and sales regulations.

Joined by police they will be clamping down on any traders caught selling illegal fireworks or selling them to anyone under the age of 18. Shops caught selling fireworks to children could be fined up to £5,000.

Residents are being reminded that it is an offence to use fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am except on designated nights. On Saturday, 5 November residents will be allowed to light fireworks until midnight. Exceptions have also been made for Diwali, Chinese New Year and New Years Eve when fireworks can be set off until 1am.

When using fireworks, follow these simple tips to keep safe:

•Stand well back
•Light fireworks at arm’s length, using a taper
•Do not put fireworks in your pockets
•Never throw fireworks
•Keep fireworks in a closed box in a safe place
•Never return to a firework once it has been lit
•Read instructions with a torch, never a naked flame
•Children using sparklers should be supervised at all times.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, cabinet member for community services and safety, said: "While we want everyone to enjoy themselves, we want them to do it safely and to think about others who might not be celebrating."

"Our officers will be taking action against traders caught breaking the law, but residents have a role to play too, they must stick to the curfew and be responsible for their actions."

"Any form of anti-social behaviour will just not be tolerated."