Fears over gangs, crime and fireworks misery in Hartlepool on Bonfire Night after covid cancels organised displays

A question was raised at the latest meeting of Cleveland Fire Authority about preparations ahead of Bonfire Night, with the usual organised displays not being able to take place due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Cllr Billy Ayre, Redcar and Cleveland Council representative on the authority, asked what would be done to prevent bonfires in public spaces, while also noting antisocial behaviour often occurs around Halloween.

He said: “I would envisage, I hope I’m wrong, that come Bonfire Night there will be gangs gathering as we’ve had in previous years, along with the antisocial behaviour and the crime that’s committed.”

Ian Hayton, chief fire officer at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said work is already underway to make the period as safe as possible for firefighters and residents.

This includes Cleveland Local Resilience Forum, made up of police, local authorities and other agencies, planning measures to be put in place in the run up to the period.

Work being carried out by the fire brigade includes removing hoardings of items which could be a fire risk or used for bonfires, cracking down on illegal fireworks, and working with partners to tackle any abuse towards staff.

He said: “Whilst shops may still be selling legal fireworks we know there is a black market that operates out the back of white vans.

“Equally throughout that period my concern is, to use your phrase [Cllr Ayre], gangs, that then may turn violent towards our operational crews who are going about their work in trying to keep the community safe.

“There is plenty of work going on, it has already started to actually move the hoardings where we can, and the police and the enforcement teams will be ensuring that the restrictions that are applied due to Covid-19 and tier two are adhered to.”

Mr Hayton also stressed it was important to spread safety messages to residents in the area in regards to Bonfire Night, as well as working with partner organisations over any issues.

Cleveland Fire running a Be Smart, Be Safe, Be Sensible Firework Campaign offering safety advice and asking communities to be responsible.

Mr Hayton said: “The safety messages that we try and put out there are about staying safe whatever you’re doing during that period, but for planning purposes we’re doing everything we can within the remit of the regulations and powers that each of those agencies have.”

Cllr Marjorie James, Hartlepool Borough Council representative on the authority, said they should lobby the Government to ban the sale of fireworks completely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said: “Surely with things that are happening in the country the Government should in my view just indicate that there will not be the sales of fireworks within our communities this year and to instruct the shops to not sell them.

“It would make life a lot easier for our services to then administer them and police them.”

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