18 Bonfire Removal Initiative PDF 19 KB
Minutes:
The Board received a verbal update from on the proposed operation of the 2013 Bonfire Removal Initiative.
The Board was advised that each year, the Safer Halton
Partnership delivered a ‘Bonfire Removal Initiative’ which set out to improve community
safety by removing unauthorised and uncontrolled bonfires before they were
ignited. The Initiative, which had been
successfully operating in Halton since 1999, covered
‘Mischief Night’ and not only resulted in the physical
removal of unauthorised bonfire material and debris, but also included
preventative measures being put into place in known ‘hot spot’ areas and
education and community safety messages being delivered across the Borough.
The Board was
further advised that most of the initiatives would remain the same as last
year. The fencing had been very well
received by everyone last year, and it had resulted in significantly reducing
the number of waste ground that needed to be cleaned up. Therefore, the fencing would be put into
place again this year.
It was reported that discussions
had taken place with housing partners, the Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue
Service and funding had been jointly established to deal with issues around
Mischief Night and Bonfire Night.
Furthermore, it was reported that
the event may be policed differently but all the activities would be the same
as last year.
It was
noted that only five housing associations had contributed to the cost because
they were the only ones that had land that may be used for a bonfire;
It was
noted that the Board would receive a full de-briefing report after the event
had taken place;
The Chairman reported that the
Area Forums had previously contributed to the cost of the bonfire event and
mischief night, but that funding had now ceased. He asked the Members to support a funding
application to all the Area Forums to contribute a small amount of money,
whatever they felt was appropriate, to the initiative. He highlighted that the initiative benefitted
the community which benefitted the community and helped prevent serious
incidents in the Borough from burns etc.
He added, that if the initiative ceased young
people in the Borough would be at risk and there would be an increase in
litter, rogue fires and fly tipping. In
reply, a Member commented that a strong case should be put forward for it to be
provided from mainstream funding to retain its sustainability.
It was reported that the Bonfire
event and the Vintage Rally event provided Halton
with a unique opportunity to secure a sponsor and this would offset the cost of
the events. In addition, sponsorship was
a way forward for events that are held in the future.
RESOLVED: That the verbal report and comments raised be noted.