A COUNCIL is renewing its plea to residents to make use of a telephone hotline aimed at stopping the illegal sale of fireworks.
The call from Middlesbrough Council comes after a a man from Hemlington was given a 100-hour community punishment by Teesside magistrates.
He had pleaded guilty to offences under the Consumer Protection Act, relating to his selling fireworks from his home.
A tip-off on the telephone hotline led to surveillance outside his home where he was caught selling fireworks to children.
Councillor Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough's executive member for public protection, said: "Anyone who stores fireworks at their home and sells them to children is acting in a criminally irresponsible way.
"I would urge anyone who knows about this going on anywhere in Middlesbrough to phone our hotline. As this case shows, they will be assured of a prompt and effective response.''
The hotline, which was set up last year, is (01642) 728002.
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