Dates announced for Hampshire flare amnesty

Boat owners will be able to dispose of up to ten expired flares at events across Hampshire this summer

Getting rid of your old distress flares can be a troublesome job, especially considering the severe penalties for boat owners who fail to follow the correct procedure.

With this in mind, Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit has teamed up with bomb disposal expert Ramora UK to launch a flare amnesty.

Four events across the county will accept out-of-date flares, with up to ten accepted in exchange for a charitable donation (£2 per flare suggested).

The amnesties will take place at Hamble Point Marina (10 May), Cowes Yacht Haven (17 May) and Lymington Yacht Haven (10 August), before a final event at Hamble Point on 19 October.

It is hoped that these events will raise enough money to buy new dinghies for local youth sailing clubs.

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David Welch, managing director of Ramora UK, said: “The collection and disposal of these potentially dangerous items is vitally important to public safety and should be dealt with by experts; we are proud to provide this to members of the public.”

Anyone looking to dispose of more than ten flares should email: marine@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

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