West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership is aiming to tackle anti-social behaviour in the run up to Mischief Night and Bonfire Night.

Through the annual Bright Sparx Campaign, the Partnership will aim to reduce anti-social behaviour, such as the misuse of fireworks, criminal damage and the number of anti-social fires started deliberately.

Dave Tilleray, Community Safety Partnership chairman, said: “We know some people feel a little nervous around the time of Mischief night and Bonfire Night. But our comprehensive Bright Sparx action plan draws on experience of previous years to tackle potential problems and dangers around this time.”

Councillor Kevin Wright, portfolio holder for Community Safety, said: “The Community Safety Partnership provides excellent value for money as the Council and its partners work together to tackle potential problems around this time.”

In the run up to bonfire night neighbourhood policing teams will be conducting visible patrols and will deal robustly with incidents of anti-social behaviour.

West Lancashire Borough Council, police and fire service will undertake a number of other initiatives, including:

· Visiting young people who have been involved in anti-social behaviour during previous Mischief Night and Bonfire Night periods

· Taking fireworks from children who are under age

· Removing bonfires from unauthorised sites

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· Joint visits to schools from Lancashire Fire and Rescue and the Police to warn children of the dangers of playing with fireworks and the consequences of Anti-Social Behaviour



Fire service staff will be on hand to take referrals for home fire safety advice. Other organisations taking part include the Police, Trading Standards and the Community Payback Team.



West Lancashire Police Inspector Adrian Jolly said: “As in previous years the police will work with partners to minimise crime and anti-social behaviour associated with Mischief Night, Halloween and Bonfire Night. We are advising parents to keep their children at home to make sure they are safe and don’t get into trouble. If teenagers are going out they should attend properly organised and supervised events.”

For more information on the Community Safety Partnership please visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/wlcsp.