15th October 2007, 07/352
Council to blow out dangerous bonfires
To
ensure the safety of residents in the run-up to bonfire night, an
action plan has been launched to fan the flames of dangerous fires
and reduce incidents.
West Lancashire District Council is working with Lancashire Fire
and Rescue, Lancashire Constabulary and local partners to reduce
the number of accidents, injuries and unauthorised fires on 5th
November.
For a number of years, the Council has put together a robust
bonfire strategy to tackle safety issues in order to help residents
enjoy Guy Fawkes Night safely and without any nuisance
problems.
Last year, the Council's bonfire strategy also complemented
Lancashire Fire's Bright Sparx campaign, which involves all
agencies working together to combat anti social behaviour and
promote responsible action during the most dangerous time of year
for fire-related injuries.
As a result the Council had fewer call-outs and only picked up 47
tonnes of bonfire clearance wood and other waste, compared to 86
tonnes the previous year, which shows that partnership working was
very effective.
So this year the Bright Sparx campaign is being run again with
support from the Council and even further measures are in place to
make sure the night goes off without a bang.
Cllr David Westley, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene, said: "We
have been operating a bonfire strategy for a number of years and
each year we are seeing fewer call-outs and a reduction in injuries
and anti social behaviour, which shows that it is working. Last
year the Bright Sparx campaign was also introduced and made an even
bigger impact. This year we are supporting the initiative again so
I'm confident that this year we'll have an even safer Guy
Fawkes."
Bonfire sites will only be tolerated on 8 specially designated
Council owned sites in Skelmersdale and will be accepted from
Friday 2nd November from 6pm until 9am Tuesday 6th November.
Anyone considering organising a public firework display or bonfire
can contact the Council on 01695 585242 for more information.
The Council will dismantle any unauthorised bonfires on other
public land and cart away the rubbish for safe disposal. Bonfires
built on these designated sites before or after the accepted period
will also be removed. Any fire that has already been lit on public
land that is not part of the list will be put out by the fire
brigade and then removed by the Council.
This year's designated sites in Skelmersdale are:
· Abbeystead (on the right hand side on the grassed area)
· Alderley (on the left hand side on the grass by the subway to
Pimbo)
· Bankfield (left hand side on the grass)
· Evington (left hand side by the play area)
· Eskbank (grassed area at the entrance)
· Hallcroft Field (grassed area by the play area)
· The Winsters, off Church Road, (grassed area on right hand
side)
· Railway Road (grassed area to the rear of Woodrow)
(Note that Banksbarn has been deleted from this year's list of
designated sites because of the new play area and other improvement
works)
Lancashire's Chief Fire Officer Peter Holland said: "We want young
people to enjoy themselves 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."
If you know of a bonfire in the West Lancashire area that is not on
a designated site, that has been built before the agreed dates or
could be dangerous, contact the Council on 01695 577177 so that we
can remove it.
If the bonfire has been lit and it is not on a designated site or
is dangerous, dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service.
For fire safety advice call either Ormskirk Fire Station on 01695
572223 or Skelmersdale's on 01695 723853.
For more local information regarding advice about bonfire nuisance,
visit the Bonfires
section. You can 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
> Environmental protection