Click here for a special episode of the My Sefton News Podcast with a deep dive into our response to Operation Banger and fly-tipping in Sefton.

After clearing more than 70 tonnes of burned waste from green spaces last year, Sefton Council is again fully backing Operation Banger. 

The joint-agency response, led by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service alongside Merseyside Police, is designed to reduce and address anti-social behaviour over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period. 

Sefton Council, which had to spend more than £10,000 in taxpayer money clearing the charred remains of unlicensed bonfires last year, fully backs action taken to protect residents and public spaces.

The huge amount of waste cleared – including 18 tonnes in just one park – was just a fraction of what was dumped, as staff had acted quickly to remove a lot of items that had been left before bonfires were set. 

But it still meant that staff spent a lot of time last year being pulled away from their normal duties to handle illegally dumped waste. 

Smoking out bad behaviour 

As explained in an article published last week, unlicensed bonfires carry a major health and safety risk. 

Because of that, the damage to public spaces and the disturbance caused to fellow residents, Sefton Council is urging people to think of others instead of starting unlicensed bonfires or fireworks displays. 

Fireworks have been shown to be dangerous to people and animals, especially when they aren’t set off in a safe and controlled way. 

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said on BBC Radio Merseyside’s Hot Seat programme: “There are professional displays that people can go to. We just need to, where we can, keep people as safe as we possibly can. 

“Please go to these professional [events] for your safety.” 

Avoiding anti-social activity

The period around Halloween and Bonfire Night often sees a rise in anti-social behaviour (ASB), especially around 30th October, known locally as ‘Mischief Night’. 

Last year, Merseyside Police reported a 20% drop in ASB on 30th October compared to the same day the year before. Officers will carry out numerous high-visibility patrols across the Borough, with the option for dispersal powers to be used where necessary.

Merseyside Police have encouraged residents to keep their communities safe in an article shared on their website this week.

Sefton residents are encouraged to call 101 or use social media to make the police aware of non-emergency issues and to call 999 if there is a crime in progress or someone is in danger. 

Non-emergency incidents can also be reported to Sefton Council through our ASB reporting page.