Trivallis is working in partnership with South Wales Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council as part of Operation Bang, which aims to help communities enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night safely whilst preventing and detecting antisocial behaviour (ASB) and disorder.
The partnership will see Trivallis’ communities teams working closely with the authorities and other key partners to closely monitor areas identified as hotspots for ASB at this time of year, as well as tackling any incidents of fly tipping.
Debra Bayliss, estates and communities manager at Trivallis, said: “It’s important that our communities can enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night without having their safety put at risk. Unfortunately, we sometimes deal with incidents where items are fly tipped and get used as bonfires, which can be very unsafe and expensive to clean up. Last year one bonfire alone was so large and close to homes it cost us over £3,000 to have cleared. This money could have been much better spent, making improvements to tenants’ homes and our communities.
“We are taking a proactive approach and ask any tenants and residents that identify ASB such as fly tipping and bonfire building to contact us so we can deal with it as quickly as possible. All reports will be kept strictly confidential.”
The partnership has already had success in Perthcelyn. Teams from Trivallis, RCTCBC, South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service cleared rubbish that was being used to create a bonfire, secured fencing around the area that had been removed, and spoke with members of the community about the dangers of unmanaged bonfires and fireworks as well as the consequences of ASB.
Superintendent Mark Brier, force lead for antisocial behaviour at South Wales Police, said: “The last 18 months or so has been particularly difficult for us all, and it’s understandable that many people will be looking forward to celebrating Halloween and Bonfire Night with their families.
“We want to work with our communities to ensure they can do so safely and we have officers out and about helping to educate, reassure and keep our communities safe.
“But I would also urge people to be mindful that the period is Not Fun For Everyone; there are vulnerable people in our communities for whom Halloween and Bonfire Night brings added stress, anxiety and fear and they have every right to feel safe in their homes and out in their communities.”
If you have concerns about ASB or bonfires being built on one of Trivallis’ estates, please let us know by contacting us: www.trivallis.co.uk/contact-us. Please be reassured that all contact will be kept confidential.
In an emergency, always dial 999. Concerns about noise, sale of fireworks and other related items, and littering/fly-tipping should be directed to your local authority. You can find their details here.
We have gathered a variety of support from our key partners and organisations with ways that you can enjoy your time whilst also ensuring you are staying safe, not breaking the law and are being mindful of others, including animals. You can access the dedicated page for Bonfire Night safety, here.
If you’re looking for ideas for some Halloween and Bonfire Night fun, check out the Trivallis Spooktober page which has everything from craft ideas to tasty recipes for you to enjoy.