To make sure your bonfire night goes off with a bang, Torbay Council, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and Devon and Cornwall Police are encouraging everyone in Torbay to keep safe and to respect their neighbours.

Torbay Council’s Community Safety Team will be co-ordinating activity with statutory agencies and the community in advance of the celebrations to reduce the risk of illegal bonfires and the illegal sale of fireworks, for example at car boot sales. If anyone notices items being gathered for a makeshift bonfire or believes that fireworks are being sold illegally please report this to the council’s Community Safety Team by calling telephone number: 01803 208025.

There are various laws relating to the purchase and use of fireworks as well as penalties for breaking the law, including a fine of up to £5000, imprisonment and an on the spot fine of £90. For more information about the laws of purchasing and using fireworks visit: www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law.

Councillor Robert Excell, Executive Lead for Safer Communities, Highways, Environment and Sport said “Bonfire night can be great fun and we would encourage all residents to enjoy the festivities by attending an organised bonfire and fireworks display. Licensed events are not only safer but you can enjoy all of the fun and leave the tidying up afterwards to the event organisers!”

Crew Manager Brian Cappello from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said "Whilst we recommend that families attend organised and licensed displays, for those who are planning a display at home, we would strongly advise that they purchase fireworks from a reputable store which has an appropriate licence to sell such items. Fireworks must also always be stored securely and kept away from children”.

"Bonfires and fireworks can be incredibly dangerous. Anyone wishing to have their own display should make sure that they prepare properly and take steps to ensure their own safety and the safety of those around them. If you have children please remind them of the Firework Code, and if you’re not sure of it yourself it’s never too late to learn!”

Acting Community Safety Sergeant Jeff Coe from Devon and Cornwall Police said "Bonfire night is a night of celebration, but it is not an excuse to ignore the law and upset other people. With a little consideration for other people everyone can have a good time. If you’re planning a celebration please inform your neighbours. Most people are more understanding when they’re kept informed.

"If you are planning on having a fireworks display for the 5 November the celebrations must cease at 11pm. Letting off fireworks after those hours is not only anti-social but it is also against the law.

"Finally fireworks can be terrifying for pets so we do recommend that pet owners take steps to alleviate some of the anxiety for their animals”.

Further information and advice can be found at www.safercommunitiestorbay.org.uk/bonfirenight. Pet owners can also visit the Blue Cross website at www.bluecross.org.uk/2154-88390/fireworks-and-animals.html. You can find the firework code at www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Fireworksafety/Pages/Fireworkcode.aspx.