The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “AA”) provides members with the partnership response and community   engagement activity which supported the operational approach to the planning in the run up to and during the bonfire period 2018.

Recommended –

Members note the report and consider how the Area Committee can work with the partners to improve community safety outcomes in the planning to the bonfire period 2019.

(Rebecca Trueman – 01274 431364)

Resolved –

(1)       That the report be noted.

(2)       That the Bradford West Neighbourhood Policing Team, the Youth        Service and Council officers be thanked for the partnership work             undertaken in focusing on Bonfire activities 2018.

LEAD: Strategic Director, Place

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “AB”) provided members with the partnership response and community  engagement activity which supported the operational approach to the planning in the run up to and during the bonfire period 2018.

The Safer and Stronger Project Officer was accompanied by a Police Inspector, the Safer Communities Delivery Co-ordinator and the Senior Youth Work Manager. A summary of the report was given to the Committee.

The Chair highlighted that all Councillors were out on bonfire night and through strong partnership working alongside the Youth Service, the Bradford Policing Team, Ambulance Service and local residents’, all parties had worked well with one another to try keep the residents’ and the Bradford West area a safe environment a safe place to live. It was further highlighted that it was unfortunate that planning ahead of the bonfire night had not started even earlier.

Feedback was sought on whether and fly tipper had been captured following the possession of CCTV images. In response, a number of prosecutions had been carried out for bonfire night fly tipping. In addition, there will be a stronger approach towards fly tipping during the next bonfire night which will include, there would be discussions prior to the night with Petrol Stations and businesses to advise on ensuring their CCTVs would be effectively working on the night.

During the discussion, the following comments were made:

·         Unfortunately during the previous bonfire meeting, a representative from the Ambulance Service failed to attend despite an invitation being sent out;

·         The Bradford Policing Team would welcome the opportunity to work in relationships with all concerned even in more advance than previously for the next bonfire night;

·         The element of environment enforcement had to be considered for the next planning stage due to some residents and even people from outside of the Bradford West area were dumping any kind of waste;

·         There were some youth workers that were extremely detached, that on bonfire night, Members had to visit their homes and kindly request for their assistances in helping Ward Councillors and emergency services;

·         The cost towards fly tipping was immense and therefore it was paramount that enforcement and prosecution was dealt with the full hand of the law; and,

·         There were young men driving vehicles and were throwing fire works at people during the night.

The Police Inspector thanked all Councillors who were out on the night of the bonfire and aided the Bradford Policing Team in assisting in keeping the streets and the environment of the Bradford West area safe and clean.

Resolved –

(1)       That the report be noted.

(2)       That the Bradford West Neighbourhood Policing Team, the Youth        Service and Council officers be thanked for the partnership work             undertaken in focusing on Bonfire activities 2018.

LEAD: Strategic Director, Place