24 October 2008 08/238
Play it safe this Bonfire
Night!
West Lancs District Council has
teamed up with Police and Fire and Rescue and other local partners
to try to make 5 November a safe bonfire night for local
people.
In a bid to reduce the number of
accidents, injuries and unauthorised fires a special action plan
has been launched. The aim is to help residents enjoy Guy Fawkes
Night safely without any nuisance problems.
Cllr Paul Greenall, Portfolio
Holder for Street Scene, said: "We have been working with partners
on the special bonfire strategy for a number of years and each year
we have seen reduction in injuries and anti social behaviour along
with fewer call-outs for the Fire and Rescue Service. We are
working together again to try to ensure that the 2008 bonfire night
is a time when people enjoy themselves in safety in West Lancs
without causing nuisance."
In Skelmersdale, bonfires will only
be tolerated on eight specially designated Council-owned sites.
Bonfires will be permitted on these sites between 4.30pm on
Wednesday 5th November and 7.30am on Monday 10th November. Bonfires
built on these designated sites before or after the accepted period
will be removed.
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)
Lancashire’s Chief Fire Officer
Peter Holland said: "Our aim is that people can enjoy themselves in
safety on Guy Fawkes Night without causing nuisance or danger to
other residents. We know that many people will enjoy fireworks and
bonfires in safety but for those who do act irresponsibly we have a
strong message: Don’t mess about with bonfires or fireworks. 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."
Chief Inspector Debbie Howard of the Police added: " We worked
successfully last year with the Council and Fire and Rescue to
reduce anti-social behaviour in West Lancashire and we hope that
November 5 this year will be one of the safest bonfire nights."
If residents have concerns about a
bonfire in Skelmersdale that is not on a designated site, that has
been built outside the agreed dates or could be dangerous, contact
the Council on 01695 577177 and it will be removed.
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 Selmersdale’s on 01695
723853.
For more local information regarding advice about bonfire
nuisance, visit our bonfire pages. Also visit www.beabrightspark.org (external
link), which has a whole host of information including firework
facts, safety tips and details of an organised display in your
area.
Related information