Agenda item

The Board received a brief verbal report from Mr J Unsworth, Divisional Manager, Waste and Environmental Improvement on incidents of arson and anti-social behaviour following Mischief Night/Bonfire Night.

The Board was advised that it was a brief report due to the short timescale since the event.  It was reported that a pro active preventative approach had been taken in respect of bonfires and there had been a significant reduction in comparison to last year.  The success highlighted that people had not built a bonfire as they knew that they would be removed prior to bonfire night.  This had resulted in over a 50 % reduction.

The Board was further advised that nine incidents had been reported, seven of which had been reported prior to bonfire night and there were only two on bonfire night itself.  This it was reported highlighted the success of the numerous preventative measures that had been put in place prior to the event.

It was reported that unfortunately, there had been 64 wheelie bin losses, approximately the same as last year.  Next year consideration would be given to ways of improving security of wheelie bins and further work would be undertaken with RSL’s in respect of their communal areas. 

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service had attended 26 incidents this year in comparison to 37 incidents last year, which represented a 30% reduction.  It was reported that details of specific areas etc were not as yet available, but more information would be reported to the Board in due course. Planning for next year would also commence in February 2015.

In respect of anti-social behaviour, it was reported that there had been a significant reduction this year, with only 30 incidents throughout Halton.  However, it was reported that incidents of criminal damage had reduced but more targeted this year to police cars and buses with 18 incidents reported.

The following comments arose from the discussion:-

·             It was suggested that consideration could be given to HBC undertaking a procurement process on wheelie bin locks and offering them to the public to purchase at a cheaper rate than on the internet or the high street.  It was highlighted that the lock would have to be cheaper than a new bin. In response, it was reported that this was a good idea and would be considered.  It was also reported that Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service could be approached for funding to subsidise such locks as they would enable them to make a saving by reducing the number of call outs for bin fires;

·             The Board noted that hotspot areas were leafleted prior to mischief night and bonfire night on the dangers of leaving their bins insecure.  It was also noted that bin collection days were changed to help address this issue.  Clarity was sought on whether HBC would have to replace the bins without a charge.  In response, it was reported that each incident would be considered on its own merit but it was anticipated that some of the bins would be replaced at a cost to HBC i.e communal area bins.

·             The Board noted the success of the initiative and it was also noted that information on possible hotspots could be sent to Mr Jimmy Unsworth directly so that it could be incorporated in the preventative measures for next year.

RESOLVED: That

(1)        the verbal report and comments raised be noted;

(2)        the Board place on record their support for the initiative; and

(3)        the Board support the exploration of a procurement exercise to provide low cost locks to the public for wheelie bins.