1st October 2007, 07/325
Be a bright spark - stay safe
Pupils will
help shine a light on fire safety messages in the run-up to Bonfire
Night with the launch of Bright Sparx.
For the second year running, West Lancashire District Council has
joined forces with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and other
agencies for a countywide campaign to encourage teenagers to think
about their own safety and not to take part in nuisance behaviour
leading up to 5th November.
The campaign seeks to reduce injury, disorder, damage and
anti-social behaviour relating to the misuse of bonfires and
fireworks across the county. It brings together agencies from
across Lancashire to promote a simple message: attend an organised
bonfire or fireworks display and don't throw or misuse
fireworks.
It was first launched last year to combat anti social behaviour and
promote fire prevention messages and it was so successful that it
is being held once again.
West Lancashire is having its official launch on 3rd October at
Bishop Martin Primary School in Skelmersdale, where more than 50
pupils will watch the beacon be lit to mark the start of the
campaign.
Throughout the day they will be given information to help them act
responsibly during the most dangerous time of year for fire-related
injuries. They will be able to meet local fire crews, look around
the mobile fire unit and will be given Bright Sparx t-shirts,
torches and other goodies.
Cllr David Westley, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said:
"We are committed to enhancing people's safety and so we are
delighted to be supporting this year's Bright Sparx campaign once
again. Last year was the first time it was launched to encourage
teenagers to stay safe and not to take part in anti social
behaviour in the run-up to Guy Fawkes and it had lots of positive
feedback, so I'm sure it will have even more success this year. By
working together with our partners, we hope that everyone can enjoy
fireworks and bonfires safely."
Throughout the campaign, various schools will be visited across
West Lancashire, Trading Standards will also be visiting premises
and then it will culminate in a sports camp in Skelmersdale.
10 to 19 year olds are being specifically targeted in the
educational campaign but parents are also being urged to get
involved by ensuring their children attend organised
displays.
"We want young people to enjoy themselves," explained Lancashire's
Chief Fire Officer Peter Holland, "and we know that many young
people across the County will enjoy fireworks and bonfires in
safety. For those who do act irresponsibly at this time of year,
however, we want to send a strong message that it isn't funny to
mess about with bonfires or fireworks and the results can be
devastating."
"We are extremely grateful to West Lancashire District Council for
supporting us in this campaign and commend their commitment to
public safety."
The District Council is also in the process of putting together its
annual bonfire strategy for the removal of bonfires in a further
bid to ensure that the problems associated with this event are
reduced.
For more local information regarding advice about bonfire nuisance
visit the Bonfires
section. Also visit the Be a Bright Spark website,
which has a whole host of information including firework facts,
safety tips and details of an organised display in your area.
Related information
> Council
news
> Bonfires