26 October 2009, 09/249
Plans to reduce accidents and injuries on bonfire
night
‘Stay safe this bonfire night’ is
the message from West Lancashire Borough Council who is working
with partners to tackle problems around 5 November.
In a bid to reduce the number of
accidents, injuries and unauthorised fires, a special action plan
has been launched in partnership with the Police and Fire and
Rescue and other local partners. The idea behind it is to help
residents enjoy Guy Fawkes Night safely without any nuisance
problems.
In fact, due to this excellent
partnership working, last year’s bonfire night was the safest on
record for West Lancashire. There was a massive reduction in the
number of bonfires and secondary fires and the cleansing response
times improved dramatically with combustible rubbish being cleared
up quickly.
So they want to make this year’s
celebrations take place without any real big bangs and reduce
figures even further.
Cllr Paul Greenall, Portfolio
Holder for Street Scene, said: "Each year we pull out all the stops
to ensure that 5 November remains a safe event for all to enjoy and
we work closely with our partners to combat anti-social behaviour
and to remove any bonfires that are not on authorised sites. Last
year’s bonfire night was the safest on record and people still
enjoyed themselves on the night so we want to make 2009’s just as
successful."
Phil Holland, Chief Fire Officer for Lancashire, added: "We have
seen from statistical evidence in previous years that those
councils who work hard to remove combustible rubbish have the most
impressive outcomes in terms of reducing anti social behaviour year
on year."
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
Thursday 5 November and 7.30am on Monday 9th 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)
Dean Holden, Police Commander for
West Lancashire, said: "The bonfire strategy is key to our
partnership work to ensure everyone enjoys the events safely. It
also features within our activity during the ‘Not in My
Neighbourhood Week’ from 2 to 6 November, which is dedicated to
tackling crime, anti social behaviour and ensuring community
Safety."
The Council’s bonfire action plan also supports 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. 10 to 19 year olds are being specifically targeted in
this educational campaign and fire officers have been visiting a
number of schools in West Lancashire to talk about fire safety.
Parents are also being urged to get involved by ensuring their
children attend organised displays.
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, log onto www.westlancs.gov.uk/bonfires.
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