Organisations in North Tyneside are coming together for an action-packed few months, supporting the local authority in making sure the area is safe and spotless.
Getting underway in the Wallsend, Operation Hotspot returns to North Tyneside next week.
Led by North Tyneside Council – and supported by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police – the initiative tackles irresponsible dog ownership, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping, reduces litter, and promotes home fire safety.
Ahead of the re-launch, Cllr John Stirling, cabinet member for Environment said: “Operation Hotspot is a great campaign as it addresses issues that are particularly important to residents.
“By working together with the fire service and the police, it always achieves excellent results so I’m really pleased it’s returning and concentrating on different areas in the borough.
“North Tyneside is a great place to live, work and visit, and with help from our partners and residents, we can make it even better.”
Operation Hotspot begins in Wallsend town centre over three days, from March 8 to 10, before visiting seven other areas in the borough over the next eight months.
A litter pick and free dog chipping event, provided by Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter, will take place next to Wallsend Town Hall from 11am to 3pm. A community litter pick will also take place and residents are invited to come along and join in at 2pm.
Over the three days, fire fighters will call at homes in the area to provide free home fire safety checks.
District Manager Graeme Hurst, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service added: “This is a great initiative and we are delighted to be involved. Rubbish build-up can often be a target for deliberate fire setting. Not only does it cause damage to property it can endanger lives. Something that may seem like a small rubbish fire could easily spread to neighbouring property, with devastating consequences.
“Attending deliberate fires also puts extra pressure on our busy crews who whilst they are dealing with these are not as readily available to attend other more potentially life threatening incidents or to carry out prevention work to stop fires from happening in the first place
“By working with our partners and with the local community, we aim to reduce the risk of fire and make the community a safer place to be.”
Northumbria Police will also be on hand to carry out joint patrols with council wardens, tackling any anti-social behaviour. Neighbourhood Inspector, Mark Storey, added: “Tackling anti-social behaviour is a priority for us as we know the harm it can cause in our communities and the impact it can have on quality of life for residents.
“Extra officers will be on patrol while the operation is carried out and we encourage residents to speak with an officer to raise any issues or concerns they have.
“Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour or crime and disorder issues are asked to contact their local neighbourhood policing team on 101.”
More details can be found at www.northtyneside.gov.uk.