Bonfire night and Halloween can be fun family events for some, but they are dreaded by others.

The Torus Neighbourhood Teams are part of Operation Treacle in Warrington, Operation Good Guy in St Helens and Operation Banger in Liverpool, working closely with key partners, including the Police, Fire Rescue Service, local authority, Community Safety Teams to try and make sure that everyone stays safe.

One of the key activities on our estates is encouraging tenants and residents to dispose of their unwanted rubbish, before it can be used for a fire, or just set alight as well as looking to combat anti-social behaviour during this period.

For a safe community, we rely on the people living in our communities to report incidents of ASB and Criminality, such as fly-tipping.

What can I do to help keep our communities and residents safe?

Everyone has a right to live in peace, free from disturbance and nuisance. For a safe community we rely on you to report incidents of ASB and Criminality should you witness this or become a victim. You can help us by:

• Reporting anyone who is selling illegal fireworks or selling fireworks to children
• Reporting bonfire collections/storing of wood or other items that you see in your area
• Reporting fly-tipping
• Getting rid of your rubbish responsibly

If you are worried about bonfires, then report it

Lighting a bonfire in a public place is illegal. A public space is anywhere other than your own back garden - fire spreads quickly and could be toxic.

If you see an illegal bonfire being built in a public space, such as a park, playground, street or grassland, report it for removal before it's lit to your local council:

• Liverpool City Council on 0151 233 3000 or online.
• St Helens Council on 01744 676789 or online.
• Warrington Borough Council on 01925 443322 or online.

If you are worried about safety, please report it to the Fire Service or Police:

• Merseyside Fire on 0800 731 5958
• Cheshire Fire on 01606 868700
• Police on 101

If it is happening on Torus land, you can report directly to us, by calling 0800 678 1894, emailing info@torus.co.uk or speaking to your Neighbourhood Officer.

How can I keep my home safe?

Bins are often set on fire this time of year, putting homes and people in danger as well as wasting the resources of our, already stretched, emergency services.

Make sure you:

• Keep your wheelie bins somewhere safe and secure
• Keep them away from windows, doors fences
• Only put them out on collection day and move back in as soon as they are emptied
• Help to protect yourself from burglars by ensuring your home is secure whilst you are out trick or treating or visiting a firework display. Leave a TV or light on or use a timer to make it look like someone is at home.

If I’m being persistently targeted or harassed, who can I speak to?

• Torus 0800 678 1894 / info@torus.co.uk
• Police: 999 for emergencies (101 for non-emergencies)
• Crimestoppers: 0800 555 1111

Firework Displays

Make sure you only attend organised firework displays. They have safety measures in place – such as stewards and marshalling of the event – so you and your family have less chance of getting injured. The fireworks and display are more than likely better than any you would get at home anyway!

You can find details of organised events in your local paper and on social media.

Bulky Waste Collection

Local authorities offer bulky waste collections for their residents. If you need an item removing, please visit torus.co.uk/waste to find out more about reporting fly-tipping, bulky waste removal and recycling or donating your goods to local charities.

Stay safe with Fireworks

Fireworks! It’s important to remember:

• It’s against the law to carry fireworks in public if you’re under 18
• Fireworks must not be sold to anyone under 18
• It’s an offence to let fireworks off between 11pm-7am – except on Bonfire Night (until midnight), New Year’s Eve, Diwali & Chinese New Year (until 1am)
• It is an offence under the Explosives Act 1875 to tamper with or modify fireworks
• Fireworks are designed to explode, so even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode and cause injuries.
• Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays
• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm
• Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time
• Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit
• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators

Find out more about firework safety here

Also, for more seasonal safety tips click here.