WORK is already under way to make sure Bonfire Night in Bexley does not get out of hand.

Bexley Community Safety Partnership is bracing itself for a week of bangs and bonfires as November 5 falls on a Wednesday this year.

Already Bexley Council’s trading standards officers are visiting shops authorised to sell fireworks making sure they are stored and being sold correctly.

It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18 and test purchases will be done to make sure shopkeepers are not flouting the law.

Shopkeepers caught selling to underage customers face fines of up to £5,000 or six months in prison.

They are also being reminded fireworks can now only be sold within certain dates.

Unless they have a licence, and only one shop in the borough does, fireworks can only be sold between October 15 and November 10; between December 26 and December 31; three days before and on the first day of Chinese New Year; and three days before and on Diwali.

Officers from Bexley police and the fire brigade will be visiting schools and youth clubs warning about the dangers fireworks can pose if handled irresponsibly.

It is an offence for anyone under the age of 18 to be in possession of a firework and it is illegal to have fireworks which are only to be used in organised displays.

People caught can face on-the-spot fines of £80 or be taken to court.

Inspector Lynda Letchford from Bexley’s Safer Neighbourhoods policing team said: “The misuse of fireworks can cause misery and potentially fatal injuries.

“We have a duty to protect everyone in our community.”

She added: “Extra officers on the streets over the bonfire period will be rigorously enforcing the legislation.

“We want everyone to have a great time celebrating, but they must do so safely and legally.”

Bexley’s fire commander Cyril O’Brien said: “Whatever you are celebrating, if you plan to use fireworks, spare a thought for other people, pets and most importantly yourselves.

“Fireworks can cause serious injury and harm to people and the environment if not used correctly.”

For more information, or if you suspect a shop of selling to under 18s or outside of the permitted times of year, call trading standards on 020 8308 7627.