Concerns are growing over firework misuse in Salford amid increasing reports of missiles being aimed at members of the public.
In the days surrounding and leading up to Bonfire Night, residents have reported a surge in firework-related incidents in Ordsall Park.
Young people have reportedly been setting off fireworks irresponsibly, with some ‘aiming them’ at passer-bys, animals, and nearby homes.
The escalating problem has residents, council members and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) joining forces to address this.
Ordsall resident Maddie Christina Cray took to the Salford Quays Community Forum group on Facebook to share her concerns after witnessing youths setting off fireworks.
“It starts as early as 4pm and I find it quite distressing that these kids are aiming it at dogs and threatening to ‘shove them down dogs’ throats,” she said. “It makes walking through the park quite a dangerous experience given that they have no idea what they’re doing and just throwing it at the ground and running.”
Her post sparked a flurry of comments, with other residents recounting similar experiences of firework misuse, burnt bins, and an accumulation of litter.
One resident, Sergio Marques, shared his own harrowing experience.
“They threw a firework at me while I was walking my dog a few weeks ago,” he said. “My dog now refuses to walk to the park and trembles if I take him there.
“Burnt bins, shopping trolleys and rubbish everywhere. One afternoon they were rooting through bins looking for glass bottles, and then started throwing them everywhere..
“Getting evidence is also hard because you don’t want to aggravate them even more by being seen to film them.”.
Paulina Handzlik, another Salford resident, claimed to have seen fireworks being thrown at children.
“They threw fireworks at my husband who was running in the park,” she said. “They also threw them at a girl who was playing in the park with her little child. Absolutely shocking behaviour.”
In response to the concerns, John-Paul Atley, a community activist, provided an update from Councillor Keville. “Councillor Keville shared the following: Ordsall Councillors met with residents, council, GMP, Fire Service and other agencies this week to agree upon key actions”.
Mr Atley also weighed in on the discussion, noting that reporting incidents is crucial.
“Police rely on data to allocate officers where needed”, he wrote, adding that each reported incident contributes to a larger picture of local policing needs.
Authorities have also advised residents to secure bins to prevent them from being used in fires, and local shops are being checked for possible illegal firework sales to underage customers. Plans are in place for targeted youth outreach in the area, with the goal of redirecting young people toward safer activities.
GMP is encouraging encourages residents to continue reporting all instances of firework misuse to help ensure that Ordsall Park remains a safe space for the community.
Until then, local authorities and residents alike are on high alert to prevent further incidents from spiralling out of control.