Prevention is much better than the cure
A new film made by talented Wishaw kids is aiming to put an end to wheelie bin fires.
Ignition is an animated short focusing on the dangers of bins being set ablaze.
After shocking statistics revealed the cost of the fires across Wishaw, North Lanarkshire Council teamed up with Coltness High pupils to tackle the issue head on.
Now the film has been completed by pupils Rachael Mair, Scott Hall and Liam Brown, it has been shown across schools in the region.
Matt Costello, local regeneration manager, said: “Ignition was created by four pupils from Coltness High School with the support of local CLD workers, a professional animator and Scottish Fire and Rescue – Motherwell.
“The pack is aimed at primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils to raise their awareness of the dangers and consequences of setting wheelie bins on fire.
“It is an easy-to-use resource for primary school teachers.”
Provost Jean Jones added: “Studies have shown that early intervention is more successful in addressing issues such as antisocial behaviour and in this case, wilful fireraising.
“I hope that this new resource encourages young people to reflect on their actions and that it leads to a significant decrease in wheelie bin fire incidents across the local area.”
The story takes viewers through a typical boring night for some young people hanging around on the streets.
What starts out as a bit of mischief turns out to be a disaster for one of the boys.
The video is accompanied with a resource pack to be used in schools to raise their awareness of the issues surrounding the topic and help reduce the £226,000 cost of wheelie bin fires.