We are aware of recent arson incidents involving youths in the ward, which have resulted in the loss of household waste bins, but also assaults on fire crews who attended the scenes.
We are absolutely disgusted that this has happened and we send our solidarity and thanks to those on the frontline protecting our community from harm.
We have been in contact with colleagues from the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Northumbria Police, as well as officers from the council to organise an urgent multi-agency taskforce to tackle these incidents in a more joined up approach.
In the meantime the fire service have asked us to share the following advice.
– Keep your wheelie bins out of sight and put them out on the morning of collection and take them back in after collection has been made. But try not to leave the bins out overnight
– Keep any sort of combustible materials away from your property and use the council collection service
– Use FireStoppers phone number which is a way to anonymously report information on deliberate fire setting. Using the well-established CrimeStoppers model, reports will be shared with the police so that offenders can be identified and prosecuted where appropriate. 0800 169 5558 – we have leaflets which we can get to you for you to give out
We would also ask if you spot any fly tipping which could be used to start fires to please report it to Newcastle City Council so it can be removed as quickly as possible at www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/environment-and-waste/street-care-and-cleansing/report-fly-tipping-removal
Cllr Stephen Barry-Stanners and Cllr Barry Phillipson