Be a Good Guy this 5 November urge council

Hard-hitting drama will be used in local secondary schools to warn students of the dangers of street bonfires and firework misuse during the run-up to 5 November.

Actors from the Altru Drama Company will be staging a production at all secondary schools, followed by workshops where young people will be able to discuss the production - and the consequences of anti-social behaviour.

It's all part of this year's Good Guy campaign, which launches next week (15 October) and aims to cut casualty rates and ensure everyone enjoys a safe bonfire night.

It's being backed by posters in secondary schools, messages on the Safer St Helens Facebook page (www.facebook.com/safersthelens) and a host of organised youth activities to steer young people away from danger.

Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Safer Communities and Youth, Councillor Sue Murphy said: "The key to a safe bonfire evening is attending organised displays. And our Spark in the Park event at Sherdley Park is one of the best you'll be able to see for miles around."

Spark in The Park takes place in Sherdley Park on Saturday 5 November at 6:15pm. It starts with a children's firework display and ends with a grand firework display at 7pm. There will also be a family funfair from 5pm to 9pm. Car parking (£3 per vehicle) is available at Sutton Leisure Centre, Sherdley Park and Lea Green Train Station.

The Good Guy campaign is a joint effort, and aims to keep the borough safe and clean, by encouraging residents to report the build up of combustible waste and street bonfires to the council's contact centre on 01744 676789. It involves the council and its Community Safety Partners - including Helena Partnerships, Riverside, Arena, Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

As well as helping the council's Environmental Health team get the firework danger message over to primary school children during Crucial Crew events being staged this week, the Fire and Rescue Service is also assisting the Youth Service with 'Street Heat' presentations - being staged at youth centres across the borough.

Street bonfires - the dangers:

• Street bonfires can fuel anti-social behaviour and firework misuse.
• They can cause air pollution - particularly problematic for sufferers of asthma and other respiratory disorders.
• Burning plastics or rubber emits a poisonous gas - carbon monoxide.
• Street bonfires can be irritating to neighbours.
• They can easily spread to nearby fences, buildings and homes.
• They can ruin the environment, scorching grass, plants and nearby trees.
• Tey reduce visibility on nearby roads - causing hazards for drivers.
• Lighting garden waste could kill wildlife or small pets trapped inside.

To find out about activities for young people in the run up to bonfire night, go to www.sthelens.gov.uk/yaz.

To report the build-up of combustible waste and street bonfires call 01744 676789