A HIT SQUAD has been launched as part of the crackdown on the nuisance of firework misuse.

From Friday a dedicated safety patrol will be deployed across the streets of Oldham.

They will be on the hunt for those who cause Bonfire misery to thousands of residents.

Made up of town hall officials and police officers, they will swoop on anyone suspected of breaking the law.

The squad will patrol each evening from 5pm until midnight until 9 November. And Mark Alcock, from Oldham council, thinks it will be a powerful weapon in the war on firework misuse.

He said: "The menace caused goes right across the board. It's not just old people, there's those with heart problems, those with pets and those who just don't like it.

"In an ideal world fireworks would only be on sale in the week leading up to November 5. It's a cultural problem, some people think it's great to set fireworks off everywhere. I think sometimes they don't realise the damage they are causing. "

"The council is committed to working with our partners to stamp out this nuisance and we will use this patrol to seek out troublemakers and take enforcement action."

Under current guidelines under 18s are banned from buying fireworks and the M.E.N. has fought a long-running campaign for a ban on over-the-counter firework sales.

The patrol, seasonably codenamed 'Operation Treacle' will head out in a rapid response vehicle and search for trouble makers.

Officers can issue fines, confiscate fireworks, issue Asbos and seek prosecution against offenders. The squad will also be gathering intelligence on illegal sales and misuse.

Supt Stewart Goodwin, from GMP, said: "Our aim is to provide a high visibility presence - particularly in hot spot areas for fireworks disorder.

"It is now an offence for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in a public place and for anybody to possess the bigger 'professional use only' fireworks. We will be using these patrols to proactively enforce these new measures."

Members of the public can report incidents to the Council by phoning 0161 770 3000, or the police on 0161 872 5050. mike.keegan@men-news.co.uk