’Keepers help launch safe hands message

SAFETY FIRST . . . Latics keepers Greg Fleming (left) and Mark Crossley launch the campaign at Boundary Park with Geoff Harris, Oldham’s divisional fire commander.

KEEP fireworks in safe hands. That’s the message from Oldham Athletic goalkeepers Mark Crossley and Greg Fleming.

The keepers are among the North-West’s 13 international keepers who have signed up to the safety campaign in the run up to bonfire night.

It is aimed at dads and is urging them to be extra careful with fireworks this year — or risk putting themselves, their family and friends in danger — with almost half of firework injuries at family parties.

The campaign comes just days after a 10-year-old boy was seriously injured in Salford when a powerful firework was thrown over a wall and exploded next to him.

Last year Jake Thompson (15) has his left hand blown apart when he picked up an “onion bomb” rocket he found in a Coldhurst park.

The fire safety campaign was launched as police stepped up their own camapign — warning yobs who misuse fireworks that Operation Treacle will bring them to a sticky end.

The initiative is designed to tackle anti-social behaviour and reduce injuries caused by fireworks, while providing assurances to the public that such actions will not be tolerated.

During the whole of last year, there were a total of 2,170 offences relating to fireworks — 1,718 of which took place in October and November alone.

A number of operations are now underway to curb the predicted rise in anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and fire-related incidents.

The Chronicle has already revealed how a dedicated team — made up of police, trading standards and council officers — will patrol Oldham’s streets between 5pm and midnight to crackdown on louts misbehaving with fireworks. And fire fighters have launched a series of shock adverts to show the injuries that can be caused.

Now, Greater Manchester Police have released more details of how they will target those who cause harmful pranks during the busy Halloween and Bonfire period. They warn that anti-social behaviour can result in a home visit by police officers, an £80 on the spot fine, arrest and criminal record.

Flyers will also be made available for residents to display in their doors or windows issuing two messages to Trick or Treaters.

On one side, there is a picture of a smiling pumpkin with the words “Hello, Trick or Treaters welcome”, On the reverse is an image of a frowning pumpkin with the slogan “Sorry, no Trick or Treaters please”.