Guy Fawkes Night hit squads out in force

Public urged to report unauthorised bonfires

With Fireworks Night approaching, there’s a reminder that you should report any concerns over potentially dangerous bonfires to South Lanarkshire Council.

The local authority works closely with the fire service and partner agencies to raise awareness of the risks and dangers associated with bonfires and fireworks.

A dedicated bonfire ‘hit squad’ is assigned to each of the four areas that make up South Lanarkshire to safely dismantle and remove unauthorised fires built on council land.

They will be assisted again this year by the community wardens’ mobile CCTV van, which will be out and about helping spot potentially dangerous bonfires early enough to have them removed.

Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor John Anderson, said: “This initiative to remove unauthorised bonfires is a great example of how the council works with partners to tackle anti-social behaviour and demonstrates how effective partnership working can be in achieving real results in our communities.”

In addition the community wardens and council workers going about their duties in the community will also be on the lookout for potential problems for the ‘hit squads’ to tackle and known hot spots will be closely monitored.

Councillor Anderson added: “To support the initiative, members of the public who have concerns over bonfires in their community are asked during office hours to ring 0303 123 1020 (Monday to Thursday 8.45am-4.45pm and Friday 8.45am-4.15pm) or outwith these hours to contact our 24-hour hotline number on 0800 242024 and our bonfire hit squads will investigate.

“By choosing to attend only well organised, official bonfire events you can enjoy the bonfires and fireworks of Guy Fawkes Night and keep people, property and vital resources safe.”

By attending only official events you can keep people and vital resources safe