Be A Blackpool Bright Spark

Be a bright spark and have fun safely this autumn.

That’s the message from BSafe Blackpool which is hoping to reduce crime and disorder and warn of the dangers associated with bonfires and fireworks in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

From cracking down on the illegal trading of fireworks, to the removal of unauthorised bonfires, the aim is to reduce anti-social behaviour centred on and around Bonfire Night celebrations, and reduce unnecessary damage and injuries to the public and the environment.

BSafe Blackpool - a partnership that includes local Police, Fire and Rescue as well as Blackpool Council - is taking the multi-agency approach as part of a county-wide campaign called Bright Sparx.  On a local level it will employ a host of tough measures to crackdown on the illegal buying, trading and use of fireworks, and the building of hazardous bonfires.

Traditionally, Halloween is also becoming a flash point for trouble, especially for criminal damage, and increased Police patrols will be in place in some areas. A number of initiatives are also taking place in local primary and secondary schools to help inform and educate youngsters about the dangers associated with this time of year.

Cllr Sue Wright, Cabinet Member with responsibility for community safety and Vice Chair of BSafe Blackpool, said: "Bright Sparxisdrawingon a number of community agencies, including BSafe Blackpool,to reduce anti-social and dangerous behaviourin therun up to and during Bonfire Night celebrations, and Blackpool Council will be playing an important role in the awareness campaign.

"We appreciate that the public are bombarded with annual messages year in year out, but ifwe can help prevent just one unnecessary incident then it's a campaign well worth doing.Having fun takes one evening -the injuries can last a lifetime. We encourage all parents to ask where their children are at this time of year, and urge families to attend organised events which have been properly risk assessed.“

Nigel Fryers, a fire fighter from Blackpool’s community fire safety department, said: “The majority of people will use fireworks responsibly or attend an organised event. However, working closely with local partners, including local schools, we are taking a strong pro-active approach and the Bright Sparx campaign is targeting local youngsters, especially teenagers, about the dangers associated with playing with fireworks and bonfires – the results of which can be devastating.”

Parents are being urged to get involved and a special website has been set up with details of organised displays across the County. www.beabrightspark.org has a whole host of information including firework facts, safety tips and details of organised displays.

Blackpool Council does not allow any bonfires on public land within its boundaries, and the Neighbourhood Environmental Action Team (NEAT) will be getting tough on illegal bonfires, ensuring that rubbish stock-piled before the event is cleared. It warns that people caught fly-tipping or unofficially disposing of waste will be issued with on-the-spot fines, and any serious breaches could lead to prosecution.

Meanwhile, Trading Standards officers will be working alongside the Police to clamp down on illegal buying and selling of fireworks, as well as issuing fixed penalty notices for the illegal handling of fireworks.

Inspections of registered premises are taking place to promote good practice regarding firework sales and storage. Work is also underway to identify and prosecute rogue traders, as well as carrying out under-age test purchasing exercises to identify retailers who are breaking the law.

People tempted to breach firework legislation will be hit hard in the pocket. On-the-spot fines worked very well at this time last year, and will be introduced again.

Penalties can be issued for throwing offences; possession of adult category fireworks in a public place by those who are under 18; possession of a category 4 firework; and letting fireworks off during the curfew between 11pm – 7am when it is illegal to do so.

Although they cannot be handed out directly to under-18’s, they can be issued through a parent/guardian.