Crackdown starts for bonfire night (From Keighley News)

Crackdown starts for bonfire night

10:00am Friday 2nd November 2012 in Keighley By David Knights

A clampdown on fly tippers, dangerous open-air fires and anti-social behaviour has been launched in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

People are being urged to help the campaign to keep Keighley and Bradford safe from bonfire-related problems.

Bradford Council has teamed up with the fire service, police and social landlord Incommu-nities to tackle potential trouble.

Neighbourhood Policing Team officers are patrolling the streets to deal with the expected increase in anti-social behaviour involving fireworks, while Incommunities’ estate and neighbourhood teams have promised to deal with cases of fly-tipping and reports of rubbish.

The district's Fire Protection Team and officers from West Yorkshire Trading Standards are visiting shopkeepers to ensure fireworks have been stored safely and sold responsibly. Firefighters have also visited schools to educate children on the dangers of the bonfire, and teams are clearing areas where waste has collected.

Police and council enforcement officers will stop vehicles and issue fines to people carrying waste without an Environment Agency licence. Drivers can be prosecuted and fined as much as £5,000.

Council spokesman Ian Bairstow said local traders were being warned not to try to take advantage of the season by illegally dumping rubbish on bonfires.

He said: "People shouldn't think that just because it is the bonfire season they can dump their rubbish on the cheap."

Fly-tipping and dangerous or illegal bonfires can be reported by calling Bradford Council on (01274) 431000.

Incommunities tenants can report dumped rubbish in confidence on 0845 112 4000.