Firefighters from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have stated that there is no need for Firework Control Zones in West Lothian. The service highlighted that partnerships developed to address past anti-social behaviour have been successful in curbing lawless and dangerous activities across the county. Reports of violence were confined to one specific area during last year’s Bonfire night, with a significant decrease in incidents in and around November 5.
New legislation introduced by the Scottish Government last year included the establishment of Firework Control Zones, which can be implemented by local authorities in response to public requests. Setting off fireworks in these designated areas becomes illegal. In November of the previous year, four zones were designated in Edinburgh, including locations like Seafield and Niddrie. However, despite the introduction of these zones, there was an outbreak of violence and anti-social behaviour in Niddrie, requiring police intervention and leading to attacks on emergency crews and property damage.
Following a debriefing report on the previous Bonfire night in West Lothian, Paul Harvey, the local liaison officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, provided insights during the Community Safety Board meeting. The collaborative efforts between the SFRS and local schools, as well as cooperation with council departments to identify potential risks like rubbish build-ups and hazardous bonfires, were emphasised as proactive measures in ensuring safety during Bonfire night.
Attendees at the meeting discussed the effectiveness of Firework Control Zones in the region, with Watch Commander Paul Harvey stating that they would recommend exploring alternative strategies that have proven successful in West Lothian over the years. Despite only one incident of violence against emergency services recorded during the previous Bonfire night, concerns around potential risks of firework-related crimes were acknowledged and addressed through ongoing community initiatives.
In conclusion, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s stance on not requiring Firework Control Zones in West Lothian underscores the effectiveness of existing partnerships and community-driven efforts in maintaining safety and reducing incidents during festive periods. This collaborative approach serves as a model for addressing anti-social behaviour and ensuring public safety in the region.