LL THIS WEEK
Firework celebrations last year at the Albert Dock, above and below © Paul McAuley
All quiet or big bang? With new lockdown rules and restrictions being introduced, Bonfire Night is set to be a very different and unexpected night this year in Liverpool
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By MIA O’HARE ith the cancellation of events and banning of home gatherings Bonfire Night is set to be very different this year. Merseyside Fire and Rescue and Merseyside Police are working together to keep communities safe and are calling on local people to respect the restrictions and behave sensibly. Station Manager Joe Cunliffe said: “Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service would like everyone to enjoy the Bonfire night period as safely as possible. “Community bonfires must not take place on public land, as this will encourage people to gather in breach of current restrictions. “We know things won’t be the same this year and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service still wants people to enjoy this period, but now is the time to pull together, follow the guidance and help stop the spread - it’s more important than ever that we all work together to protect our communities and the most vulnerable among them.” A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue said: “We are well prepared for the usual increase in secondary fires (wheelie bins, rubbish, bonfires etc) that we see every year at this time.
“Up to now, we haven’t experienced an increase in incidents.” Merseyside Police have warned that this year’s celebrations are going to be very different with Covid-19 restrictions in place, even more so with the second lockdown coming into force on Thursday. Chief Inspector Peter Clark, who is heading this year’s operation, said: “As you know, there are a number of rules and restrictions in place in relation to Covid-19, that means that the planned displays and events we normally attend, will not be happening this year. “We know that this is another sacrifice we are having to make. “We are keen to get the balance right between protecting people from the spread of the coronavirus and ensuring that they can still enjoy this period. “We will maintain a common-sense approach during the Halloween and Bonfire night period – and are working to encourage people to respect the restrictions and explain why they are so important. “Where people are flouting restrictions, we will, however, be taking action.” He added: “Our message regarding anti-social behaviour during this period remains simple – it will not be tolerated, and anyone caught commiting this type of offence will be dealt with firmly and robustly.
“No one should have to suffer being the victim of anti-social behaviour and I would like to reassure everyone that there will be extra high-visibility patrols during this time.” Fireworks Liverpool, a shop in Aigburth, are yet to see if the cancellation of displays will impact their sales. They said: “The shop is only busy on the last few days coming up to Bonfire Night. Something tells me it’ll be even busier, and something tells me it will be quieter. “There’s reasons it could be either one.” They are encouraging people to enjoy fireworks safely at home. “This year we’ve been left with the responsibility to light up our beautiful city. “We’re here to provide you with the tools for the job.”-
© Merseyside Police
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