WIRRAL Council has joined forces with the fire service and police in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour in the run up to Bonfire Night.

The authority has echoed warnings from the police and fire and rescue service that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, no matter what the time of year.

Michael Buratti, arson officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Sadly, some people choose this time of year as an opportunity to misuse fireworks, carry out anti-social behaviour or set fires that may cause nuisance or harm to others.

"If fire engines are called out to deliberate bonfires, wheelie bin fires or rubbish fires this may delay a response to other emergencies."

Cllr George Davies, Wirral's cabinet member for housing and community safety said: "For the majority of us, the bonfire period is a great time for friends and families to get together, but some see it as an excuse for dangerous behaviour.

"As ever, we are working with number of local organisations to prevent problems around anti-social behaviour, fire setting, or damage to property.

"Let's all enjoy the activities on-offer and do our bit to help ensure that everyone stays safe."

Chief inspector Georgina Minnery said: "Any anti-social behaviour or arson attacks against people specifically targeted due to the colour of their skin, their sexuality race or religion are classed as hate crimes and will not be tolerated.

"Dedicated teams are available to catch offenders who carry out these kind of attacks, with severe penalties in place for those convicted of a hate crime."

As part of the scheme, the following safety advice has been issued: 

  • Attend an organised display – most accidents happen at domestic firework displays
  • Wheelie bins can become easy targets over the bonfire period. Residents are advised to only put out their bin on the day of collection and bring it back in immediately
  • Where possible, wheelie bins should be locked away and stored at a good distance from windows and doors
  • Parents should take extra care if children are wearing fancy dress costumes over Halloween or Bonfire Night and costumes should be kept away from lit pumpkins, lanterns and fires
  • Pets can become frightened by fireworks, and should be kept indoors
  • Do not give anyone, especially young people, combustible materials
  • Do not fly tip or leave flammable materials lying around that could be used to build bonfires

To report an unsafe bonfire, bonfire materials that need to be removed, to arrange a Home Fire Safety Check or for arson prevention advice, call Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service on 0800 731 5958.