PAPER hangers with fire safety messages have been given to residents to put on their wheelie bins as part of a crackdown on arson. From April 2008 to March 2009 a total of 37 per cent of Huntingdonshire fires (101) were deliberately started in rubbish pil

PAPER hangers with fire safety messages have been given to residents to put on their wheelie bins as part of a crackdown on arson.

From April 2008 to March 2009 a total of 37 per cent of Huntingdonshire fires (101) were deliberately started in rubbish piles, wheelie bins or skips.

To reduce that number, leaflets featuring a cartoon wheelie bin character have been placed on resident's bins. The leaflets carry the simple message: 'When it's not collection day keep us secure and store us away'.

Rubbish collectors operating across the county have also joined the fight against arsonists by having the message printed on the side of refuse trucks.

The initiative is being led by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service in partnership with Huntingdonshire District Council, Cambridgeshire police and the Huntingdonshire Community Safety Partnership.

Claudia Walters, community safety team leader for Huntingdonshire District Council, said: "There have been a number of wheelie bin fires in several areas of the district that are directly next door to, or close to properties or vehicles.

"Thankfully there have been no fatalities but there has been significant damage caused.

"We hope the hangers and posters will act as a reminder to residents to put their bins in a safe place as soon as they can after they have been emptied, as this will keep them out of sight from potential arsonists."

Karl Bowdenm community risk manager for Huntingdonshire said: "When burning, wheelie bins produce vast quantities of thick black smoke and when stored next to homes and under windows the smoke can easily enter rooms above. This has caused fatalities in other parts of the county and the hanger and poster campaign is a way for us to show residents they can prevent potential disasters occurring in our communities."

CAPTION: CRACKING DOWN ON ARSONISTS: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service have launched a new fire safety campaign in partnership with Huntingdonshire District Council, Cambridgeshire police and the Huntingdonshire Community Safety Partnership to reduce the number of wheelie bin fires across Huntingdonshire.

Picture: CAMBRIDGESHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE.