Danger fears trigger firework safety bid

Youngsters in Staffordshire are being urged to take care and be aware during the fireworks season in a bid to stay safe and keep out of trouble.

Cannock Chase Council is working with Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire County Council to roll out the Take Care and Be Aware message in the district. The joint campaign is designed to help young people in the area stay safe and keep out of trouble during the run-up to Bonfire Night. An advertising van is also targeting specific locations.

Posters and leaflets urge young people to Think: Don't Go Out With A Bang this Bonfire Night and offer them some simple advice.

As part of the Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership's Operation Good Guy, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is taking the posters and leaflets into schools as part of firework safety talks.

Councillor John Jillings, Cannock Chase Council's safe, strong and cohesive communities leader, said: "Bonfire Night is a fun and exciting event, but incidents of anti-social behaviour do normally rise at this time of year. The campaign is all about encouraging young people to think – about their own safety and about other people as well. Noisy fireworks can be a real nuisance for many people in our community – as well as a real danger to the young people."

Supt Aide Bloor, of Staffordshire Police's Chase division said: "Throughout the Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations, we're urging members of the community to have a safe and enjoyable time, while giving due consideration to those residents who don't wish to become involved in the festivities.

"Parents should ensure their children are properly supervised and can enjoy the events in safety."

Councillor Ben Adams, Staffordshire County Coun-cil communities and culture cabinet member, said: "This stage of the Take Care and Be Aware campaign is encouraging young people to think twice about their actions this Bonfire Night.

"All we are asking is that when they are caught up in the excitement of the festivities, they remember those residents who don't enjoy the loud bangs and large crowds.

"It is also very important they consider their own safety."