CHESHIRE West and Chester Council are warning residents in Ellesmere Port and Chester to stay safe on Bonfire Night and the days leading up to it.
The council has joined forces with Cheshire police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Plus Dane Housing Trust, Chester and District Housing Trust and Weaver Vale Housing Trust to try to make this year’s celebrations as safe and enjoyable as possible.
A service will be provided to remove unofficial bonfires before they are lit, aiming to reduce the number of illegal fires within the borough.
But the council is stressing it is unsafe to build and light bonfires in public, open spaces unless it is an official organised event.
Council Trading Standards officers will be carrying out test purchases in shops across West Cheshire to ensure no-one under the age of 18 is able to buy fireworks, and retailers have been encouraged to ask for ID from anyone who looks younger than 25.
Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: “Bonfire Night should be enjoyable for all our residents, businesses and visitors; however, every year across the country, many people are injured at unofficial, unsafe celebrations.”
Anyone who is organising a safe display on behalf of a local charity or venue is encouraged to email the details to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service at webmaster@cheshirefire.gov.uk or visit www.cheshirefire.co.uk and it will be publicised free of charge.
If you spot an unofficial bonfire you should report it to the council’s bonfire reporting line on 0300 123 7026 so action can be taken to remove it as soon as possible. The telephone number is available from October 26 until November 6.
Official bonfire events are as follows:
Ellesmere Port – Friday, November 2, at Whitby Sports Club. Gates open at 5.30pm and the display begins at 7pm.
Chester – Saturday, November 3, at Chester Roodee Racecourse. Gates open at 5pm, with the children’s display beginning at 6.15pm and the adults display at 7.30pm.
