Community safety strategy launched in run-up to Bonfire night (From Wirral Globe)

Community safety strategy launched in run-up to Bonfire night

9:24am Friday 26th October 2012 in News

MERSEYSIDE Fire & Rescue Service has launched a campaign to keep Wirral communities safe in the run-up to Bonfire night.

In the coming days, staff will be out across the borough removing unsafe bonfires and materials that could be used to build fires. Residents are also being asked for their help by reporting bonfires.

Planning for the Wirral Bonfire Reduction Strategy started in December 2011 and there have been a number of multi-agency meetings at Wallasey Community Fire Station, which will continue after November 5.

MF&RS staff, with the help of Wirral Chamber of Commerce and Merseyside Police, are also advising businesses on how to stay safe from fire, for example by not leaving out combustible waste.

Leaflets have also been distributed to homes, offering advice on the safe storage of wheelie bins.

They should be stored away from buildings and locked away where possible. People are advised to put bins out on the day of collection and bring them in as soon as they are emptied.

A free community event is being held at the rear car park of Seacombe Spaceport on Tuesday, October 30, from 4pm to 7pm.

This will include a traffic collision demonstration, a chip pan display, the MF&RS search and rescue dogs, barbecue, a dance display and advice for parents from Seacombe Children’s Centre.

More than 500 children at Wirral schools have taken part in Fire Safety Art Competition to design a Fire Safety Poster and the winners will be announced at the event.

Group Manager Paul Murphy, MF&RS Wirral District Manager, said: "We have been working with partner agencies for a number of months to prepare for the Bonfire period.

"We have carried out school visits, advised businesses on correct storage of materials, delivered leaflets to homes and been in the community removing combustible materials.

"Each children and adults are injured as a result of bonfires or fireworks. We want people to be aware of the dangers and help keep their communties as safe as possible this year."

To report an unsafe bonfire or storage of bonfire materials for removal, to arrange a Home Fire Safety Check and for arson prevention advice call Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service on 0800 731 5958.

Outside office hours please leave a message with your details and a contact number.