Hotline combats illegal bonfires

A hotline for residents to report illegal bonfires has been set up on Teesside.

Redcar and Cleveland Council's area management team is now on call to dismantle any unofficial bonfires being built in the run up to 5 November.

Last year, the council phone line dealt with 64 calls.

The scheme is linked to Cleveland Police's Operation Equinox, which was launched last month to tackle criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

Dave McLuckie, the council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "This is another tool that allows us to combat the menace of uncontrolled fires and the vandalism that accompanies them to provide the material."

He said the first priority was to tackle bonfires built, or in the process of being built, on or near public or private buildings, or near allotments.

The council is also pledging to tackle bonfires on grass open spaces away from any housing, schools, shopping precincts and allotments, as well as respond to reports of fly tipping in rear alleys and lay-bys.

The number to ring is 0800 013 1357.