Organisations in North Tyneside are joining forces to keep the borough safe on bonfire night.
With help from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police, North Tyneside Council will be removing illegal bonfire material and cracking down on anti-social behaviour.
It is part of the local authority’s Autumn Campaign, launched earlier this month, to keep the borough safe and clean.
And this aspect of the initiative will see council wardens and police officers responding to reports of illegal bonfires as well as proactively visiting areas where they are known to be built.
Between October 31 and November 5, when the uplifts take place, letters will also be delivered to homes in known ‘hotspot’ areas.
Speaking ahead of the six-day event, Cllr John Stirling, cabinet member for Environment, said: “This is another great example of us working with our partners to keep the borough safe.
“The safety of our residents is a top priority for the council and its partners and this initiative helps to do just that.
“Last year, a record amount of material was removed from the borough during the campaign, preventing 49 illegal bonfires.
“As well as these types of bonfires posing a risk to nearby homes and businesses, the work in removing the material puts a big strain on council, police and fire service resources.
“We want residents to have a safe and enjoyable bonfire night and the best way to do that is by going along to one of number of organised displays taking place in the borough.”
In the lead up to November 5, police offices and firefighers will also be running lively school assemblies, reinforcing essential safety messages to young people.
District Manager for North Tyneside, Graeme Hurst, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This is one of the busiest times of the year for the emergency services. Bonfires and fireworks can cause devastating injuries, even if you are being careful.
“In the run up to bonfire night, we visit secondary schools to talk to children and young people about the dangers relating to the misuse of bonfires and fireworks and to explain how they can stay safe. We always encourage people to attend organised displays and warn against building illegal bonfires, which can quickly become out of control. By removing materials which could be used for illegal bonfires the council is helping to keep people safe.”
Northumbria Police Chief Inspector, Nicola Musgrove, added: “We want people to enjoy bonfire night and with that in mind we encourage people to attend organised fireworks displays which are planned across the borough.
“We will have extra officers on patrol in the run up to Bonfire Night and during the night itself to minimise any crime and disorder and make sure it’s a safe and enjoyable time for everyone.
“Partnership working like this helps to get the message across that we wont put up with any antisocial behaviour in our communities.”
Residents are encouraged to attend one of the organised display taking place in the borough, which include:
- North Tyneside Fireworks: The Links, Whitley Bay, Sunday 1 November, from 7pm
- Segedunum Fireworks: Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend, Thursday 5 November, fireworks from 6.30pm, event starts at 4pm
- Blue Flames Sporting Club, Whitley Road, Benton, Thursday 5 November, gates open from 5.30pm
- Tynemouth Cricket Club: Percy Park, North Shields Saturday 7 November, gates open from 5pm
To report an illegal bonfire, call 0345 2000 103 or the police ‘101’ number.
All recovered materials will be taken to SITA UK’s North Tyneside Transfer Station for recycling.