Issue - meetings

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.