Agencies working together to keep people safe this Bonfire season.
OPERATION Kincorth is once again gearing up to tackle a number of associated problems which can happen in the run up to Bonfire Night to ensure that the public in North East Lincolnshire 'remember remember' for all the right reasons.
As in previous years, the operation will target those who intend to make easy money by selling what often seem like cheap fireworks, those who sell alcohol to under 18s together with residents who aim to gather refuse in order to build a bonfire, which can present a number of potentially unseen dangers.
This year the Safer and Stronger Communities partnership, which includes Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue and also North East Lincolnshire Council, are working with local communities by providing more seasonal activities than ever before. These are providing young people with plenty to keep them busy and safe during this time of the year.
Neighbourhood Policing Insp Neil Pattison who is leading the operation, said: "Operation Kincorth has proved very successful in recent years. Once again we will be proactively working alongside our partners to target those who are putting the public in danger. This may be through selling potentially illegal fireworks and other items or by trying to stock pile their own refuse to build potentially unsafe bonfires as well as looking to prevent the sales of alcohol and fireworks to those underage.
"This year however will also see further partners coming on board as we are combining our patrols and enforcement work with a busy programme of diversionary activities. This includes football and street dance and even a North East Lincolnshire wide singing competition. All of these activities will provide under 19s with plenty to keep them busy in the build up to Bonfire Night, rather than them getting involved in activities which could see them suffering potentially serious injuries at the hands of a firework not being used correctly."
Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for community safety and neighbourhoods, said: “By working in partnership the council’s enforcement officers, trading standards team, the police and fire crews can ensure that the minority of people that are out to cause trouble do not spoil the celebration of bonfire night for others.
“By adopting a high visibility presence around and leading up to bonfire night, we can take the necessary steps to ensure everyone remembers bonfire night for the right reasons.”
Dave Smith, Community Safety Manager for Humberside Fire and Rescue said: "Over the last few years the co-ordinated approach between the emergency services and local authority has been successful in keeping the community in North East Lincolnshire safe over the bonfire period. This year we are focused on providing some exciting opportunities for young people. We feel everyone should enjoy this time of year however, please give some thought to your actions and how they may affect others, especially concerning bonfires and fireworks."