RESIDENTS in two ‘hotspot’ areas have been banned from having bonfires this year in a bid to cut yobbish behaviour.

The no-bonfire zones in Accrington are as a result of a series of problems in the Scaitcliffe and West Accrington areas in recent years.

Rubbish fires and alley blazes have blighted the two areas in the past two years.

A pilot project was run for the first time last year and was credited with a 95 per cent drop in calls outs for fire crews in the area.

Organisers said the move was not intended to be draconian but to bring an end to unnecessary emergency calls to the station at their busiest time of the year.

And they said the scheme would allow fire crews to concentrate on genuine incidents, rather than a succession of rubbish fires.

Gary Monk, from Hyndburn Fire Station, said: “This is an opportunity to build on the success of last year. The fire service does not tolerate people acting irresponsibly over this period and will take action.

“This initiative will ensure that we are able to provide cover in the event of more serious incidents over this period. This will also mean that residents are not made to suffer for the thoughtless acts of a few.”

Agencies including Hyndburn Council, the police and the fire service will be out and about talking to residents about the dangers of starting deliberate fires.

The scheme will run from Monday (October 19) and will be launched with a community tidy-up.

Bonfires in the area will be extinguished and potential bonfires will be cleared away as part of the scheme.

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.

“This is not about spoiling the enjoyment that families get from bonfire night it is about ensuring that people can have a safe and enjoyable time over this period.”

Chair of the West Accrington Residents’ Association Joe Treacy, of Russia Street, backed the ban: "This is a built up area and there have been bonfires in the street and in back alleys, which are very dangerous."

If residents have concerns about bonfires being built they can contact the fire service on 01254 383284.