Youths abuse firefighters in Shrewsbury

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has reported a reasonably quiet bonfire night, despite an incident involving firefighters being abused by youths in Shrewsbury.

The service said the incident had disappointed them. A crew called to wheelie bin fires in Kynaston Road, Shrewsbury were abused by a group of youths. A second unit was called to the scene to assist.

The service says it was quiet in Telford, with no reports of needing to attend bonfires Shrewsbury.

A large unattended bonfire on Wood Lane in Ellesmere required supervision due to its size and wind direction. An incident support unit remained at the scene for just over two hours.

West Mercia Police also reported a steady night, local policing teams in Shrewsbury were called to assist with illegal bonfires in Ditherington, Harlescott Grange, and Monkmoor.

Police and the Fire Service worked closely with Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council in the run up to Bonfire Night.

Residents in Shrewsbury lighting unauthorised bonfires on public land in Shrewsbury were warned they could face fines, or even court action, if they did not seek prior permission.

Mark Harris, Technical Officer for Shrewsbury Town Council said: “A small number of people see the construction of these bonfires as an opportunity to dump their waste – irrespective of suitability. There is no excuse for dumping or burning rubbish, it is bad for the environment, dangerous to members of the public and a blight on our landscape that costs time and money to clean up. We’ll be working closely with our Team Shrewsbury partners to monitor any unauthorised bonfires, which many people do not realise essentially amount to fly-tipping which is a criminal offence and may incur a fine, or even court action.”

“We are not out to spoil anyone’s fun, but just ask that people act responsibly and, most importantly, do not put themselves, or others at risk.”