Award for 'Good Guys!'
Last year our annual 'Good Guy' operation ran from 19th October to 9th November 2009. The proactive multi-agency operation aimed to provide a cleaner and safer environment during the bonfire period, and reduce the number of nuisance fires and anti-social behaviour in the Borough.
As a result there were some significant reductions in anti-social behaviour and nuisance caused by bonfires and fireworks when compared to the same period in 2008.
There was a:
- 20% reduction in anti-social behaviour;
- 59% reduction in anti-social behaviour fires from the 4th – 6th November;
- 20% reduction in the number of firework incidents;
- 58% reduction in the number of bonfires; and;
- 43% reduction in the number of rowdy gatherings throughout the Borough.
Local residents were encouraged to report the build up of combustible material to St. Helens Council’s Contact Centre, whose number was promoted in the local press, on the Safer St. Helens and St. Helens Council Websites, through a radio advertisement campaign and on a highly visible ‘Ad-Van’, which could be seen touring throughout St. Helens. As a result partner agencies removed over 260 tonnes of combustible material across the Borough.
Partner agencies were awarded for their combined efforts at a Merseyside Fire and Rescue award ceremony on the 20th November 2009, were they received a certificate of merit for ensuring another safer bonfire period was experienced by all.
