Be careful where you build a bonfire
ANYONE trying to build unauthorised bonfires on council-owned land is being warned that their budding bonfire will be removed as the council and police work to tackle safety issues, noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour during this year's firework period.
Whilst a number of events are organised across the district on private land, the council wants to reassure residents that it does not allow unauthorised bonfires or firework displays on any of the district's public open spaces.
Councillor Pat Jones, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services, said:
"Each year, we see a lot of publicity regarding the mis-use of fireworks but we also want to raise the profile of how dangerous bonfires can be.
We have serious concerns over the potential for serious accidents at unauthorised events and that is why we put a great deal of effort into helping organised events such as the annual Stray Bonfire and Fireworks display, which is arranged and run by the Harrogate Round Table with our financial support.
"We don't want to be kill-joys but playing with fire can be extremely dangerous.
Our staff will be out and about in known locations where unauthorised bonfires have been set up in the past.
And we are asking the public to be vigilant as well in the run up to bonfire night.
If anyone does see a budding bonfire being built, we would like to hear about it so that we can make arrangements to have it removed.
"Safety is a top priority for what is a traditionally a much-anticipated night for families across the district.
We would urge everyone to come along to the Oatlands Stray on Saturday, 5 November at 7.00 pm for this free family event."
If any member of the public or organisation is interested in organising a bonfire safely on public land it is important to be aware of both Health and Safety Executive Guidelines and the requirement for public liability insurance to the value of £5 million. For further information on this, please get in touch with Deb Wright, Harrogate Borough Council's Parks Development Manager on 01423 556753.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT:
Councillor Pat Jones is available for comment on 01423 872466.