CCTV for estate after bonfire

ENVIRONMENT officials at Wexford County Council are investigating who was responsible for an illegal bonfire in Ferndale last week.

Cllr Davy Hynes said some local youngsters were playing cat and mouse with the authorities by hiding bonfire material until the last minute.

Now CCTV is being introduced in a bid to clamp down on the anti-social behaviour following complaints from local residents.

Hugh Maguire, from the council’s environment section, told Cllr Hynes that while some material had been removed from the estate, some may have been ‘hidden from view’ to be used as bonfire material and this was set alight over the Halloween weekend.

‘Unfortunately once the bonfire has been lit, it becomes a matter for the emergency services,’ he said, adding that the council is responsible for clearing up after bonfires.

Mr Maguire said that as a deterrent CCTV cameras are due to be placed aound an area of previous dumping in the next few days.

‘Any evidence of persons responsible for the bonfire should be sent to the Environment Section. The council’s waste enforcement staff will be investigating the matter,’ he said.

Cllr Hynes welcomed the introduction of CCTV in the area and said ‘this should prevent this happening, but these people are very determined to have these bonfires’. ‘The problem is that things get out of hand and spoil the enjoyment of those who want to get out with their kids and do things like trick or treating,’ he said.