Council Leader Jane Meagher writes about Bonfire Night preparations in the Evening News.
Bonfire Night should be an opportunity to bring communities and families together to enjoy a much-loved tradition.
Sadly, however, previous years have shown just how quickly things can go wrong when fireworks are used irresponsibly. Dangerous behaviour has put members of the public at risk, disrupted bus services, affected local businesses and exposed emergency service workers to unacceptable danger.
This is not how most people want to celebrate, and we cannot allow the actions of a minority to put others at risk or spoil the occasion for our communities.
That’s why, last year, we stepped up our collective efforts with Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and our community partners to help keep Edinburgh safe. And I’m sure you were as pleased and relieved as I was that last year’s events passed off without serious incident and that the vast majority of people enjoyed them safely and responsibly.
It really did feel worlds apart from what had gone before – and we’re doing all we can to plan for another positive result this year.
This includes the reintroduction and expansion of our Firework Control Zones, which will see fireworks prohibited in 14 areas of the city (including private property) from 30 October to 8 November. These zones aim to reduce disturbance, anti-social behaviour and litter, while protecting people and communities from the distress and dangers fireworks can cause. Alongside Police Scotland’s use of Dispersal Zones and other enforcement measures, they form an important part of our wider efforts to prevent disorder and keep people safe.
However, enforcement alone is not the answer. We also need to raise awareness, support families and young people, and help everyone understand the risks associated with fireworks. Since the start of this year, we have been working with schools, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to educate young people about safety, while investing in positive activities and alternative opportunities that help steer them away from anti-social behaviour. Peer-to-peer education is equally important, as they can often have the greatest influence on their friends, helping to challenge risky behaviour and encourage safer choices.
By providing funding for youth programmes and alternative activities in the run-up to Bonfire Night, we can help ensure they have positive opportunities to come together and enjoy themselves safely.
Alongside this work, council teams and community volunteers are taking practical steps to reduce risks on the ground. This includes clearing hazardous materials, tackling fly-tipping, checking known hotspots and coordinating CCTV to help prevent unwanted items from being used to start dangerous fires.
Ultimately, keeping Edinburgh safe is a shared responsibility. By acting responsibly and looking out for one another, we can protect our communities and ensure the celebrations are enjoyable for everyone.
So, as we approach fireworks season and Bonfire Night, I would urge you to play your part. Please plan ahead and, wherever possible, attend an organised fireworks display. These events offer a fantastic way to enjoy the excitement of Bonfire Night while helping to reduce the risks associated with fireworks being set off in our streets and neighbourhoods. Visit our website to find out if there is a display near you.
Please also follow the safety advice, be mindful of neighbours who may be particularly vulnerable to noise and report dangerous or anti-social behaviour to the police.
Together, we can help make this Bonfire Night another safe and positive occasion for the whole city – and one we remember for all the right reasons.