Operation Good Guy success
Helena has been praised for its part in Operation Good Guy - a project which aims to make bonfire season a safe time for residents.
The multi agency taskforce comprising the Fire Service, Police, Helena Partnerships, St Helens Council and other groups. The project manages the bonfire period to increasing public safety, reducing fires, damage and anti-social behaviour.
Helena received three Certificates of Merit for Neighbourhoods as well as a Certificate of merit for Renew at a ceremony at Merseyside fire headquarters.
Jeff Keenan, assistant neighbourhood manager at Helena said: "We are a key agency in the process and as such we have worked closely with the other partners to meet key targets and specifically reduce the number of dangerous bonfires on our estates.
"The Estate Caretaker Services has been very effective and responded instantly to any build-up of rubbish or fly tipping by removing it. We've worked closely with local groups to raise awareness and to spot any problems on site on a daily basis."
This programme has run for the past three years and has been an increasing success. This year 88 bonfires were removed - down from 182 in 2007. Helena took away over 20 tonnes of firewood and other flammable material, as part of an Operation Good Guy total of 267 tonnes.
Fires numbers were down 23% on last year's figure and there were no serious injuries or deaths due to fires during the period of the operation.
16 December 2009
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