TWO areas of a town are set to become ‘No Bonfire Zones’ in a bid to stop anti-social behaviour and violence against firefighters.

The Scaitcliffe and Blackburn Road areas of Accrington have been targeted this year following the success of a similar scheme 12 months ago.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue, Lancashire Police and the Hyndburn Council will be out and about talking to residents about the dangers of starting deliberate fires.

The campaign will mirror last year’s highly successful event which took place in the Scaitcliffe area of Accrington - a known ‘hotspot’ for unauthorised bonfires - resulting in a 95 per cent reduction of bonfires in Scaitcliffe.

It is being co-ordinated by the Community Safety Partnership and is running in parallel with the Fire Services ‘Brightsparx’ campaign.

In the weeks leading up to bonfire night including the half term holiday any potential bonfire fuel will be taken away and the neighbourhood will be given a general tidy up as the council will remove any waste.

It is hoped that the operation will stop firefighters being tied up dealing with bonfires or risk confrontations with youths and minimise problems for local residents.

Coun Brian Roberts, chair of the Community Safety Partnership said: “Our aim is for people in these areas to be able to sleep easier in their beds around bonfire time. In Scaitcliffe last year we had astonishing results, with 95 per cent fewer bonfires which saved not only money, but potentially lives, by fire crews not being diverted from attending fires and other serious incidents.”

Mick Frankland, from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “This is a multi agency operation and partners will work together to co-ordinate their activities for a speedy response to tackle any problems.

“By working together during the days prior we are looking to reduce the problems for local residents associated with bonfire night, and the improper use of fireworks.”

Should all areas be no-bonfire zones? Add your comments below.