Bonfire policy will send out a '˜strong message'

She said: “I think this sends a strong message that Council is committed to the development of an effective resolution to this issue, and although within some communities bonfires are part of their cultural identity public safety and protection of the environment are also important.

“This inclusive and collaborative approach will promote communication between the many statutory agencies and community representatives who deal with the issue on the ground, and where local residents and businesses do not want bonfires in their neighbourhoods, we will seek to find alternatives to bonfires which will enhance community relations and benefit local people. I look forward to seeing the plans progress now to the next stage.”

Head of Community Development and Leisure at the council, Barry O’Hagan, said the policy would offer more definitive guidance on the issues surrounding bonfires on council lands.

“We are aware that every year this issue has become a point of contention for many local communities,” he said.

“This new policy aims to bring together all those partners with a vested interest in finding resolutions to the problem and at its core is Council’s commitment to controlling risk to members of the public accessing Council Land.”