Bright Sparx Works
Every year fireworks being used for antisocial behaviour are a blight on many people’s lives. For the past few years, however, agencies such as the Lancaster City Council, Police and Lancashire Fire and Rescue, have worked together on Operations ‘Bright Sparx' and are now in the happy situation of finding that it has worked.
Every year fireworks being used for antisocial behaviour are a blight on many people’s lives. For the past few years, however, agencies such as the Lancaster City Council, Police and Lancashire Fire and Rescue, have worked together on Operations ‘Bright Sparx' and are now in the happy situation of finding that it has worked.
The recent evaluation has shown that in the Lancaster district from 2006 to 2008, the inappropriate use of fireworks has reduced by 59%. From 2005 to 2008 Arson has reduced by 44%.
So, what was it about Bright Sparx that has been so successful?
The answer to that, once again is, good partnership working. The operation was led and organised by the Lancashire Fire and Rescue. Work took place to clean up our streets so making it less easy to find rubbish to burn. Lancaster City Council removed 6.5 tonnes of rubbish over the campaign period. At the same time a media campaign warned of the dangers of fireworks, whilst Lancashire County Council Trading Standards cracked down on shops selling fireworks illegally. Joint inspections were held on premises selling fireworks between the Lancashire Fire and Rescue and Trading Standards, whilst promotional materials helped educate people on firework safety.
Lancaster City Councillor Eileen Blamire, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership said; “I am very pleased with the way this operation has been carried out and the findings of the evaluation prove once again that joint working carries us forward to make great gains.“
Date Updated: 19/03/09