Harlow residents are urged to take extra caution this year on Bonfire Night to help ease pressure on the NHS which is already weighed down by coronavirus.

With there being no free fireworks display this year in the town park the council is calling for residents to stay safe when handling fireworks.

Emergency services are preparing for a busier night than usual as people celebrate in their own gardens.

Cllr Chris Vince, portfolio holder for community wellbeing, said: “A large organised public display with licensed professionals is one of the safest ways to enjoy fireworks, but due to the pandemic we are unable to hold our event this year and many more displays will be cancelled. At the end of the day fireworks are explosives so can be dangerous and can cause serious injury in the wrong hands.

"Fireworks should be treated with respect and care and those using them should always follow the fireworks code. We must also show respect to our hard working front line workers at the hospital, the ambulance service, the fire and police service by not putting additional pressure on them at an already demanding time. If you are thinking of having fireworks at home, listen to the fire service’s advice, think about the impact on your neighbours, pets and other animals near your home and always follow the fireworks code.”

Will Newman, head of prevention at Essex Fire & Rescue Service, added: “While most people use fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause serious injury. Remember that fireworks are explosives and should be treated with great respect and care. We don’t want you to remember November 5 for the wrong reasons and especially this year, we do not want to put extra pressure on the emergency services."

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