Officers are warning the public that bonfire night could turn into a tragedy if fireworks are not bought from established businesses.

Retailers stocking fireworks must be registered with the trading standards service. This lets officers check that the fireworks on sale are stored correctly and meet safety standards. They also advise registered retailers on how to guard against illegal sales to people who are under 18.

There is a danger that fireworks sold through the black economy, street hawkers, pub sellers or car boot sales, may be unsafe and dangerous.

Cllr David Bithell, lead member for the environment and transport with responsibility for public protection, said: "Typically fireworks sold under such circumstances often have no safety or users' guidance and can be in a poor condition.

"Fireworks like these could cause serious injury to anyone handling them or watching the display, so buying from itinerant or unusual sources can put people's safety at risk.

"I want people to enjoy bonfire night but the need for firework safety starts with the consumer at the point of sale."

Trading standards say that sales from any sources that are not fixed premises, such as trestle tables on the street, at markets or from car boot sales, can also fuel anti-social behaviour.

As well as being illegal, these sales provide a source for underage purchases and may not comply with safety standards which can lead to some of the nuisance and dangers attributed to the irresponsible use of fireworks.

The law prohibits the sale of fireworks to under 18s and it also bans them from possessing fireworks in a public place.

Cllr Bithell said unregistered retailers offer the under 18s a way to get around this legislation because they will not be subject to control.

"There is a direct link between illicit sales, especially to under 18s, and anti-social behaviour, as well as protecting young people from themselves – in recent years almost half those injured were aged 17 or under," he added.

"Anti-social use of fireworks, particularly late at night, is a nuisance to so many communities and Wrexham Community Safety Partnership has launched A Good Neighbour Code which offers sound advice and aims to ensure that everyone can enjoy the bonfire period."

If anyone has any concerns over illegal sales, use and storage of fireworks or wants information on the location of registered firework retailers in the Wrexham area please contact the Trading Standards Service on 01978 292045.