Illegal firework hotline returns to Middlesbrough

A fireworks hotline which has reopened in Middlesbrough has already proved to be a success, the council has said.

The initiative, by Middlesbrough Council's Trading Standards team, will run until Bonfire Night.

It allows people to give information, in confidence, about those engaged in the illegal sale of fireworks.

The council said that since it was set up in 2002, it had played a significant role in reducing firework-related nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

Sticker with the hotline's number have been provided to all shops which store and sell fireworks legitimately, and distributed in pubs.

John Wells, the council's trading standards manager, said: "We can't afford to be complacent as a result of past successes.

"In fact this year we have already had more tip-offs than we received in the entire run-up to bonfire night 2009."