Copsready forBonfire Nightyobs

Stirling Area commander Chief Inspector Gill Boulton on Bonfire Night safety and preparing for the cold blast of winter.

You may have seen press coverage of Police Scotland’s plans for Hallowe’en and bonfire night which is in response to a large number of disorder and violence calls which some parts of the country experienced last year. As a result areas will be able to call on support from specialist officers should the need arise.

As I have intimated previously, Stirling Area Command has plans already in place for the deployment of resources over what we anticipate being a busy period.

We plan well in advance with our partners for larger events such as the Bridge of Allan Fireworks show and support this with resources ready to respond to other incidents or events which arise.

We were fortunate that we did not experience any of the disorder and violence which occurred elsewhere last year but I am reassured that we will be supported by a national resource should the need arise and any disorder will be tackled robustly.

Both the Police Scotland website and that of our colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue service have some excellent advice concerning bonfires and firework safety.

Both organisations suggest that wherever possible you attend a safely organised bonfire and firework display.

Earlier this week I attended a workshop at the Scottish Police College along with partners from across the East of Scotland in relation to preparing for winter weather.

I was joined by council , ambulance, fire and health colleagues amongst others.

There was much discussion about the‘Beast from the East’and the planning which is already underway in the event that we experience anything similar this winter.

As I look out my window on a slightly damp but fairly mild day it may seem a bit premature but given the extreme conditions experienced in some areas of Forth Valley it is maybe not a bad idea to think about any plans you can personally make.

These may range from seeing if your community has a resilience group in which you can can get involved to checking your car tyres for tread depth.

It is reassuring that all agencies are already working together to have plans in place for a repeat of such weather and are considering all aspects at this early stage.

I personally was heartened to see the way in which communities pulled together in helping one another and whilst I could live without two feet of snow, it’s those unusual and unpredictable events that bring out the best in people.