Authorities in Ashfield are coming
together to make Halloween and Bonfire Night as safe as possible this year.
Ashfield District Council,
Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have teamed
up carry out joint patrols to prevent incidents and keep the public safe.
The operation aims to prevent and
disrupt incidents of anti-social behaviour before they take place with early
intervention, education and – where needed – enforcement action against those
who commit offences.
As Halloween approaches, the teams will
be visiting shops and off licenses throughout Ashfield, advising shopkeepers
against serving eggs and flour to under 16s, in an attempt to cut down
anti-social behaviour. Officers will also be reminding shops about the
requirements to check for ID for young people buying alcohol.
If you’re planning on Trick or Treating
this year we’re asking residents to be vigilant to help cut the spread of the
virus and protect family, friends and communities. Please follow the rules on
meeting others outside and inside in Ashfield.
Halloween and autumn themed trails
around local parks are being run by the Council’s Feel Good Families project,
who will also be providing daily activities on their Facebook page.
In addition, free Halloween packs and
pumpkins have been donated by Morrisons in Kirkby and will be distributed via
local primary schools and the Council’s Community Safety Team. For further
information, visit: www.ashfield.gov.uk/feelgoodfamilies.
Councillor Helen-Ann Smith, Deputy
Leader of Ashfield District Council said: “The Halloween and Bonfire season
brings joy to residents across the District but we know that it also brings
with it anti-social behaviour.
“This year’s celebrations will be
different and it is more important than ever for authorities to work together
to create a safe environment for residents to enjoy. We will not tolerate
anti-social behaviour in the District and we will be working closely with the
Police and Fire service to ensure the residents of Ashfield stay safe.”
Nottinghamshire Police will manage
breaches of Covid-19 regulations in the community, particularly around illegal
parties and gatherings. For details of the latest government restrictions for
Ashfield, please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-very-high-nottinghamshire
Inspector Mark Dickson, District Commander
for Ashfield said: “The Halloween and fireworks season is always a busy time
for neighbourhood policing teams and, in this regard at least, 2020 will be no
different. Working alongside our partners at Ashfield District Council and
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service we’ll be doing all we can to ensure
people stay safe and secure.
“My officers will take a proactive role
in patrolling communities and engaging positively with members of the public.
But we will not hesitate to take action against people who either act in an
antisocial way or who put others at risk. As would be the case for any year, we
will not tolerate reckless and dangerous behaviour, damage to property or any
other actions that cause alarm or distress to residents. There is never an
excuse to damage property or cause distress to others and we’ll take firm
action against anyone we find behaving in this way.
“Clearly, however, we also face an
additional challenge in 2020 – of keeping people safe during the pandemic. The
very last thing we want to do is to stop people enjoying themselves but we will
not hesitate to take action against those who flout local Coronavirus
regulations.”
With many organised firework displays
cancelled, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service are advising residents to avoid
displays at home where possible. If people do have a display at home, it is
important that they to plan carefully, follow the Firework code and only buy
fireworks from a reputable source.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
District Manager Colin Poyzer said: “As the spooky season approaches and
Bonfire Night draws closer I must remind everyone about the dangers around
fireworks. In the wrong hands, they can have tragic consequences.
“We are urging residents not to have
bonfires as they can get out of hand easily, spreading to hedges, overhanging
trees and sometimes their homes. Please stay safe this Halloween and Bonfire
Night, follow the safety tips and avoid antisocial behaviour.
“If families do venture out this
Halloween children should stay with a responsible adult and adhere to
government guidelines.”