Think about safety on Bonfire Night

AFTER Halloween – when police in Cheshire received 1,166 calls from the public about anti-social behaviour – now it’s time for Bonfire Night.
Police are again encouraging people to think about their behaviour and safety on and around Bonfire Night.
Over Hallowee, 166 of the complaints were to do with alcohol related incidents and 253 calls came in through the 999 system.
Police hope there will be less trouble with Guy Fawkes celebrations.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: “We want people to be able to go out and enjoy themselves with their friends and families without having to deal with any anti-social behaviour. Our officers will be out over the Bonfire period and will be a visible presence on the streets dealing with any reports of criminal behaviour. We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and anyone who is found to be causing problems for residents of Cheshire will be dealt with robustly.
“We want to ensure that people are safe and are encouraging anyone who is planning to go out to make sure that they do not drink excessively. This is particularly important if you are planning on handling any fireworks at home.”
Anyone who is found to be acting in an anti-social manner and in possession of fireworks could have them taken off them by police officers. Anyone under the age of 18 found in possession of fireworks will also have them confiscated.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service arson reduction manager Colin Heyes said: “This is always a busy time of year and we work closely with police, local authorities and youth projects, to educate and involve the local community in a bid to keep the number of incidents of deliberates as low as possible.
“Most injuries throughout the bonfire period occur as a result of people building their own bonfires, and setting off their own or misusing fireworks. Safety is the number one priority and our advice would always be to go to an organised display.
People might see starting a small bonfire or setting off fireworks as a bit of harmless fun, but fire is unpredictable and can easily get out of control and spread, and all sorts of things can go wrong with fireworks, so save your money and go to an organised event.”
Organised bonfires in the Warrington area include Twiss Green Primary School, Culcheth (Nov 7), Lymm Rugby Club (Nov 8), Appleton Thorn Primary School (Nov 8) and Orford Hotel (Nov 8).