In the firing line

‘Hit squads’target dangerous bonfires Callfor more friendly support

organised firework displays; they can cause damage to property and are often a magnet for anti-social behaviour including deliberate fireraising.

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

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

Known hot spots will also be closely monitored.

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.

South Lanarkshire Council executive director, Daniel Lowe, said: “This initiative across South Lanarkshire 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.” Loneliness costs lives and increases the risk of dying earlier – that’s the warning from Lanarkshire Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS).

The charity have teamed up with health services and volunteers to provide a befriending service to those in the area living with cardiac and respiratory conditions.

Community liaison officers cover all three Lanarkshire hospitals.

The service matches volunteers on a one-to-one basis with those who would benefit from the additional support, helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation which is so often brought on by cardiac and respiratory illness.

A CHSS spokesperson said: “Working in partnership with the community liaison service means that Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland are able to identify and ultimately satisfy a need in Lanarkshire, making a difference to the lives of those who have become lonely or isolated.

To find out more about supporting the befriending service, contact Alison Stewart on 01236 832843 or email Alison.stewart@chss. org.uk.