A national gun club is warning Essex residents who own firearms made illegal in a recent Government act that they face a lengthy jail sentence if they don't obtain a certificate.
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) estimates 2300 people in the county own one of the Brocock-style airguns which were outlawed when the Anti-Social Behaviour Act came in on January 20 this year.
Owners of the guns, which are characterised by a gas cartridge system, have until May 1 to obtain a certificate.
Mike Eveleigh, senior firearms officer at the BASC believes not enough has been done to publicise the law, he said: "It takes eight to ten weeks to process an application, and there are now nine weeks to the deadline. At the very least the deadline must be extended by several months while the Home Office brings in a publicity blitz."
A spokeswoman for Essex police said the issue had been promoted in the area through posters and leaflets that were sent to gun clubs and shops as well as any outlets that sell air weapons.
If you own an air gun and want more information about certificates or the Anti-Social Behaviour Act contact the firearms department at Essex Police on 01245 491491.
Published Wednesday March 3, 2004
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