Partner release: Joining Forces for the benefit of the community written by
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue 1421935389
on the 22
nd January 2015 at 14:03
- Posted in Fire Blog
In support of a North Tyneside Council community campaign, organisations are coming together for an action-packed week in Wallsend. Getting underway on Monday (January 26), 'Operation Hotspot' will ensure the Willington Quay area of the town is spick and span. Operation Hotspot was launched six years ago with support from Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. And from Monday to Friday next week, the organisations will together tackle fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, help with home fire safety and promote the council's campaign about responsible dog ownership, 'No Messing'. Appealing to young people in the area, Wallsend Boys Club will also be providing support by running different activities, including sports, nail art and crafts, from its purpose built outreach 'Boyza Bus'. It will be at Willington Quay and Howdon Boys Club on Friday, January 30, from 5pm to 8pm. Ahead of the event, Cllr John Harrison, cabinet member for Housing and the Environment, said: “I'm extremely pleased we're running Operation Hotspot again – it always achieves excellent results and improves the borough for our residents. “The initiative is all about going out into the heart of our communities so we directly address any concerns people may have, such as littering or anti-social behaviour. “This time, in response to requests from local people, the five-day event will also have a big focus on tackling dog fouling.†To support the No Messing campaign, the Dogs Trust will be holding a free dog chipping event at Willington Quay and Howdon Boys Club on Thursday, January 29, at 11am to 3pm. Owners will also be encouraged to take part in a litter pick with council wardens. Wardens will also be increasing patrols the area and issuing fixed penalty notices to anyone seen not picking up after their dogs. This January's campaign is also being supported by The Prince's Trust at TyneMet College who will be helping with litter picks. They'll also help the council's wardens and environmental mascot 'Waldo the Wonderdog' deliver assemblies, which have already begun, about the importance of not dropping litter and responsible dog ownership, along with Northumbria Police's Dog Section. Wallsend Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Neil Armsworth said: "We take the issue of anti-social behaviour very seriously as we know the detrimental affect it can have on our communities if it continues unchecked. Areas which have problems with fly-tipping and dog fouling all too often become run down and this can lead to further related problems. "We are keen to work closely with North Tyneside Council and other partners to nip these problems in the bud before they escalate. "Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour or crime and disorder issues are asked to contact their local neighbourhood policing team on 101." Station Manager Graeme Hurst, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service added: “I would like to encourage local people to take part in this great initiative. Preventing fires from happening in the first place is a key priority for our service, as is helping to keep people safe from fire. “We are delighted to be offering free home safety checks and would encourage all local residents to take up the offer. Our firefighters will check that your smoke alarms are working and are sited in the right place. They will also ensure that you have a fire escape plan in place should a fire break out in your home. “They will also cover the importance of a night time routine, such as closing doors, unplugging electrical equipment and safe disposal of cigarettes. There is no doubt this can help protect you and your family safe from fire.â€
