Crackdown on bonfires near York's Bar Walls

City of York Council has written to residents in the Bishophill area of the city warning them that anybody who lights fires without permission on the Moat, which surrounds the walls, around November 5, will face action because of “serious safety concerns”.

It comes after the authority said last year’s Bonfire Night activities saw a string of unauthorised blazes lit in the community, which caused some damage and also sparked outbreaks of antisocial behaviour, as well as disturbing people living nearby.

Police patrols are to be stepped up in the area next weekend, with the council saying no permission had been given for any bonfires on the Moat this year and blaming “reckless” revellers for forcing the get-tough approach to be introduced.

In the letters, which were issued this week, street environment officer Angus Young said the authority realised the decision might leave some residents “disappointed”, but blamed “irresponsible and out-of-control consumption of alcohol” for some of the problems which were seen in the area last year.

Liz Levett, the council’s head of environmental enforcement, said: “The safety of York residents is absolutely paramount, and while the council supports official bonfire events, we can not support unauthorised bonfires.

“Unauthorised bonfires are irresponsible and dangerous and caused a number of problems in the Moat in Bishophill last year, by being in close proximity to a number of residential properties and large, mature trees.

“Bonfire Night should be an event enjoyed by everybody, but because of a few reckless individuals, permission has not been given because of serious safety concerns. Anybody who steps out of line, be it throwing fireworks, underage drinking or antisocial behaviour, will be dealt with robustly.”

The largest official Bonfire Night event in York will be held at the York Maze at Elvington next Saturday. Full details of other events will be published in The Press next week.