With Bonfire Night just days away, work is underway to “disrupt and divert” young people who may be involved in anti-social behaviour during the celebration.
Previous bonfire periods have seen a spike in arsons, misuse of fireworks and attacks on firefighters, with areas of Bradford being hot spots in recent years.
Bradford’s Youth Service are currently working with police, the fire service and community groups to try to make the 2024 Bonfire period pass as smoothly as possible.
The partnership is taking a three-pronged approach of “disruption, diversion and education” – and warning young people that their activities could land them with a criminal record.
A statement from Bradford Council said: “In the weeks before Bonfire Night work is done with young people in youth clubs, schools, faith settings and through one to one targeted work to educate young people on the dangers of fireworks and the consequences of dangerous behaviours around fireworks and bonfires.
“This includes ‘consequence cards’ issued to young people to remind them about the dangers of fireworks and potential consequences. The cards starkly spell out the possible consequences, including getting arrested, getting charged, having a criminal record which could reduce job prospects and life-changing injuries.
“Youth organisations also find ways to divert young people into different activities either at youth centres, places of worship or through officers working with young people they find on the streets or in local parks.”
Councillor Kamran Hussain, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “Fireworks can be really dangerous, and the overall aim of this work is to educate, guide and support young people, as well as keeping them safe. We hope that we can help them understand that there is nothing to be gained but a lot to be lost through mindless and dangerous behaviour.”
Councillor Brendan Stubbs (Lib Dem, Eccleshill) recently asked Council bosses what was being done to tackle the wider problem of fireworks in Bradford.
The response said: “Neighbourhood Wardens visit properties where there are signs of a wedding taking place.
“They speak to the households and advise them about the impact fireworks has on the community. They also hand out leaflets on people’s legal responsibilities and the distressing impact of fireworks on others.
“The Council is working collaboratively with public venues to raise awareness of the distressing impact fireworks have on residents, including the young and old, those with disabilities and pets.
“They will also be reminding venues of the law on fireworks. Council officers have visited a number of venues to talk about the problem in a bid to take fireworks out of the festivities and to think about the impact they have on neighbours.”
