Zero tolerance approach to ‘Mischief Fortnight’
It’s been dubbed ‘Mischief fortnight’, but this year people safely enjoyed Hallowe’en and bonfire night in Telford and Wrekin.
In the past this period with its darker evenings had seen an increase in calls in anti-social behaviour and that’s why officers from Telford & Wrekin Council, West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service got together to raise awareness with the public on how to enjoy themselves safely while looking out for and dealing with potential problem areas.
As a result, on November 3, 4 and 5, Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to just two bonfire-related incidents.
“We wanted to make sure that everyone had a good time and that everyone stayed safe.” said Cllr Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for enforcement.
“We adopted a zero tolerance policy to fires in public places that were not properly organised events. In the run-up to this time we all worked together to educate and enforce.
“The education involved speaking to adults and children in schools, community and leisure centres and in Telford Town Centre. Year six primary schoolchildren were also invited to enter a competition on firework safety.
“The enforcement involved extra patrols out across the borough looking for and reporting fly-tips and any build-up of rubbish. These were quickly removed by our contractors Telford and Wrekin Services before anyone could set fire to them.
“It’s thanks to these collective efforts ensuring community safety that, ‘mischief fortnight’ didn’t live up to its name.”
