SCHOOLKIDS are to be given a tough lesson in the dangers of street bonfires and firework misuse during the run-up to November 5.

Actors from the Altru Drama Company will be putting on productions at all secondary schools in the borough, followed by workshops where young people will be able to discuss the production - and the consequences of anti-social behaviour.

It’s part of this year’s Good Guy campaign, which kicked off last week with the target of cutting casualty rates and making sure everyone has a safe bonfire night.

Posters are on display in secondary schools, messages on the Safer St Helens Facebook page (facebook.com/safersthelens) and a mass of organised youth activities to steer young people away from danger.

Sue Murphy, council cabinet member for neighbourhoods, safer communities and youth, said: “The key to a safe bonfire evening is attending organised displays. And our Spark in the Park event at Sherdley Park is one of the best you’ll be able to see for miles around.”

Then the Spark in The Park takes place in Sherdley Park on Saturday, November 5 at 6:15pm beginning with a children’s firework display and ending with a grand firework display at 7pm.

There will also be a family funfair from 5pm to 9pm. Car parking (£3 per vehicle) is available at Sutton Leisure Centre, Sherdley Park and Lea Green Train Station.

The Good Guy campaign is a joint effort to keep the borough safe and clean, by encouraging neighbours to report the build up of combustible waste and street bonfires to the council’s contact centre on 01744 676789.

It involves the council and its Community Safety Partners - including Helena Partnerships, Riverside, Arena, Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

To find out about activities for young people in the run up to bonfire night, go to sthelens.gov.uk/yaz.

To report the build-up of combustible waste and street bonfires call 01744 676789 or visit safersthelens.org.uk


HERE are some of the dangers of street bonfires: Street bonfires can fuel anti-social behaviour and firework misuse.

They can cause air pollution – particularly problematic for sufferers of asthma and other respiratory complaints Burning plastics or rubber emits a poisonous gas – carbon monoxide.

Street bonfires can be irritating to neighbours.

They can easily spread to nearby fences, buildings and homes.

They can ruin the environment, scorching grass, plants and nearby trees.

They reduce visibility on nearby roads – causing hazards for drivers.

Lighting garden waste could kill wildlife or small pets trapped inside.