THE annual bonfire and firework display notification scheme has been launched in Burnley.

The scheme is aimed at people and organisations holding bonfires or firework displays in the run-up to, and on and around, Bonfire Night.

It makes sure organisers get safety advice from the fire service.

The council’s executive member for community and leisure services, Cllr Lian Pate, said: "The council does not authorise or endorse any bonfires that we are notified about.

"Rather, the purpose of the scheme is to ensure that organisers get safety advice from the fire service, who may do a site visit to help organisers prepare for their event.”

Council bosses say the scheme has previously been successful in cutting the number of call-outs by the fire service to “nuisance” fires during its busiest time of the year.

Anyone organising a bonfire or firework display is urged to notify Burnley Council about the event.

The council will work in partnership with the fire service, Calico housing association and others to provide help and advice to people who notify them that they are taking on the responsibility of organising a bonfire or firework display.

An online form has been created on the council’s website for people and organisations to notify the authority about fires and firework displays that are open to the public.

The deadline for notification is Saturday, October 27.

The online form is available at www.burnley.gov.uk/bonfire.