Joint approach to fight attacks (From Barry And District News)

Joint approach to fight attacks

ARSON attacks in the lanes of Barry have been reduced thanks to a successful scheme launched by the Vale Council and the fire brigade.

Fire chiefs are delighted because they now have the chance to dedicate resources to more serious incidents.

The key has been the Vale Council's efforts to reduce fly tipping.

As a result of the co-operation between South Wales Fire Service and the Council, moves to identify and target problem areas as quickly as possible have led to a drop in the number of "minor incident" call outs for the fire service.

An obvious attraction to arsonists, fly tipping is a major concern for the fire service, and the joint approach was agreed as part of the local Community Safety Partnership project.

Welcoming a "definite improvement" in lanes around the Barry area, local Assistant Divisional Fire Officer John Brewer said: "We were very concerned about the time being spent on dealing with these sorts of incidents but forging closer links with the council has made a major difference.

The improving position has allowed us to concentrate on more serious incidents."

Emphasising that the council is dedicated to cleaning up lanes across the Vale, Cabinet Member (Visible Services) Cllr Gerald Fletcher said: "We are committed to improving the environment and will definitely investigate all anti-social incidents of dumping rubbish in lanes."

Cllr Fletcher urged residents to ensure that black bags are only placed at the kerbside on the appropriate collection day, and added: "Fly tipped material is always a fire hazard."

The council now offers a free collection service for bulky household goods such as settees which are a fire hazard, and bookings can be made through the waste management division, tel 029 2067 3000.