Be safe, not sorry, this Bonfire Night

The group - which includes Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and East Dunbartonshire Council - has been visiting primary and secondary schools throughout East Dunbartonshire area to encourage young people to stay safe and warn of the dangers associated with fireworks.

Paul Connelly, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Area Local Senior Officer, said that the misuse of fireworks was dangerous, antisocial and could even put other’s lives in danger: “We encourage people to attend an organised display. This is one of our busiest times of year and illegally built bonfires tie-up firefighters when they could be needed at a real emergency.”

The group enourages people to use common sense and follow the Firework Code and is also working together to help prevent antisocial behaviour, such as illegal bonfires and fires in household wheeled bins.

Police Scotland Deputy Sub Divisional Commander Iain Greene said: “We have been working with a common purpose to make this year’s Bonfire Night as safe as possible, but unfortunately antisocial and irresponsible behavior can contribute to incidents. As such, we’ll be working proactively with our partners to tackle the misuse of fireworks and illegal bonfires.”

- If you have any concerns about the illegal use of fireworks or the construction of a bonfire, contact the council on 0300 123 4510