Village’s strategy to curb thugs
Villagers in Blackburn hope their community’s stand against firework thugs which worked so well last year can be adapted to meet the needs of the community during the Covid-19 outbreak.
A new approach is being taken to address issues around bonfire night in Blackburn this year.
In the face of the outbreak, the Blackburn Bonfire Night Action Group (BBNAG) has adapted to continue support the village over the bonfire season.
BBNAG is made up of representatives from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, a number of West Lothian Council services, West Lothian Youth Action Project and the Scottish Ambulance Service, as well as community representatives.
The group has been holding regular online meetings since May, and is keen to continue to look at reducing anti-social behaviour, and to support the community as it did last year.
As effective to success of the scheme was the input of villagers themselves in backing the work of the emergency services and council/community workers.
They urged people to “be fearless” on leaflets they handed out, encouraging people to report firework misuse.
As a result more than 30 separate reports from the village helped douse the bad behaviour that has marred previous bonfire nights.
Last year, fire and police officers took their hard- hitting messages about safety into local schools in a bid to stave off anti-social behaviour at Bonfire Night after Blackburn was described as a “war zone”
Around West Lothian there were incidents of unwanted bonfires and fireworks being thrown at fire crews .
In Blackburn, one of the issues that the group has experienced during these current times is not being able to go out into the community and share information and to promote the work that the group is doing and planning.
To mitigate this gap in local engagement, the group has developed a Blackburn Bonfire Night Action Group (BBNAG) Facebook page that will be populated with meeting dates and key information on a weekly basis.
This can be found at https:// www. facebook.com/Blackburn-Bonfire-NightAction-Group-BBNAG-100364505150391
A spokesperson for BBNAG said the group hopes their strategy will be a success.
They said: “Due to the government guidance around hosting gatherings, it will not be possible to deliver a diversionary event this year.
“This has resulted in the group looking at a different approach on how to engage young people and encourage positive behaviour.
“We have developed a programme of information to go out on social media this year, due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
“This will include: key campaigns such as Crimestoppers; information from trading standards; information on the legal requirements around purchasing, supplying and letting off of fireworks; how to reduce stress to pets and animals; along with updating residents on joint partnership sessions for local school children. “
The group is also planning a online Community Panel Meeting on Wednesday, October 7, at 7pm where a panel of people from various organisations will be available for members of the Blackburn community to ask questions about the BBNAG and the work that is taking place as a partnership.
This panel will include representatives from the Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland, West Lothian Council, local community organisations, including agespecific ones, and ward councillors.
Any Blackburn resident who wishes to submit a question to the panel, should do so in advance prior to October 7 by emailing Michelle Kirkbright, community regeneration officer for West Lothian Council, at michelle.kirkbright@westlothian. gov.uk
Those looking for more information on the BBNAG or wish to be involved in this partnership group and/or the panel meeting, should also contact Michelle Kirkbright using the email above.