BONFIRE WEEKEND PASSES QUIETLY IN FAIFLEY….ALMOST!!

As a result of the damage, vandalism and anti social behaviour caused in Watchmeal Crescent last year at Bonfire time, the Association and other partners including Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, West Dunbartonshire Council and Strathclyde Police ensured that everyone was clear in what would and would not be accepted this year at Bonfire time.  Initiatives were established between partners about how to tackle the weekend and there were articles in the last newsletter, as well as individual letters to the residents of Watchmeal Crescent.

All agencies were delighted to get through the bonfire weekend with no damage or anti social behaviour in Watchmeal Crescent and in most cases, Faifley did not suffer particularly badly over the weekend, and people behaved responsibly while having a good time.

The one area of concern in Faifley this year was an incident which took place on Saturday 5^th November 2011 between 8 – 8.30pm in Lawmuir Crescent.  While attending a disturbance call in the Crescent around 20 – 30 youths attacked the Police Officers and their vehicle with bottles, cans, bricks and fireworks. 

Paul McVey, Depute Director of Knowes HA commented, “While we were delighted that Watchmeal Crescent was not targeted again, and Faifley enjoyed a relatively calm bonfire weekend, the incident at Lawmuir Crescent was appalling and extremely dangerous.  Information is coming through to ourselves and the Police daily surrounding the incident and action will be taken should perpetrators be identified.  My understanding is that initially this was a well intentioned bonfire event which was overtaken by youths intent on disorder and anti social behaviour, which ruined it for everyone.  In many ways, this is exactly why people should attend officially organised events only as they are less likely to be hijacked by people intent on causing trouble.  I would like to thank particularly the residents of Watchmeal Crescent for their responsible approach this year, and also the agencies involved during this demanding weekend.”

Should anyone have any information relating to the incident at Lawmuir Crescent they should contact – Strathclyde Police on 0141 532 3300, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 (information can be given anonymously), or instead contact Jackie Ferrie on (01389) 877752.