Safe Solution to Out of Date Flares Problem

Ramora UK, one of the UK's leading Bomb Disposal companies has joined forces with Hampshire Constabulary in providing a solution for the disposal of out of date marine pyrotechnics (Flares). The purpose of the partnership is twofold and alongside the removal of potentially lethal explosive items from the public domain, it is also hoped that donations received from those handing in their flares will be used to fund a dinghy for youngsters who would not normally have access to the water. The dinghy will be presented to a suitably endorsed sailing club, based in Hampshire, following a rigorous selection process to ensure that the dinghy will but put to the best possible use.

It is hoped that the presentation of the dinghy will coincide with the 2014 Southampton Boat Show. In the event that donations exceed the amount anticipated then additional boats will be purchased. With more than 5000 flares already handed in and donations of more than £3,000 to date the initiative is on track to achieve all its aims.

Please note that the Flares Amnesty Date of 26th July at Premier Marina Gosport has now been cancelled.

Friday 1st August: 1100 – 1600 at Cowes Week, Isle of Wight
Sunday 10th August: 1000 – 1500 at Lymington Yacht Haven
Sunday 19th October: 1000-1500 at Hamble Point Marina MDL

David Welch FCMI, MIExpE, MIABTI, Ramora UK's Managing Director, commented: "Public Safety is one of our primary concerns and we are delighted to be working closely with Hampshire Constabulary and the various 'amnesty' sites as part of this initiative. We have already recovered in excess of 5000 flares, which equates to more than 750kg of explosives and we still have three more events left this year."

Sergeant Damon Kennard, Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit, commented: "The number of out of date flares handed in shows that this is a worthwhile public safety initiative and we are delighted to be working with Ramora UK. Our aim is to promote public safety whilst at the same time putting something back into youth activities in the form of a sailing dinghy for local sailing club(s)."

Sarah Thorpe BSc (Hons), DipDEC, Hampshire Constabulary's Energy and Environmental Compliance Advisor, commented: "These amnesties provide a safe and compliant way to dispose of flares; reducing the potential risks to both people and the environment through inappropriate and irresponsible disposal methods. I'm delighted that just half way through this series of amnesties we have removed such a large number of potentially dangerous flares from the public domain whilst at the same time raising money for a very worthwhile cause.

Search 'Kraken' at www.hampshire.police.uk or visit www.ramorauk.com for further details.