Teams from West Dunbartonshire Council and cops are taking a zero tolerance approach to illegal bonfires and firework sales in the run up to November 5.

They will be monitoring housing estates and reacting quickly to pull down bonfires started on public land, as well as watching out for any shops selling fireworks to underage residents.

A hit list of areas in Clydebank, Dumbarton and Alexandria where bonfires have been built in the past are being monitored by West Dunbartonshire Council’s public reassurance team to ensure there is no repeat.

The target areas include streets in Dalmuir and Faifley.

The move is among a number of initiatives being taken forward by the area’s Firework Task Group – which includes the council’s Trading Standards and Greenspace teams as well as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland — to ensure this year’s celebrations are the safest yet.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, the council’s political liaison with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are doing all we can to keep residents safe during bonfire season. These fires can not only be a nuisance to local people but as with any fire can be extremely dangerous. We want people to enjoy themselves and the safest way of doing that is by going along to an organised display where the fireworks are controlled.

“I would urge the community to support us by reporting any bonfires they spot being built or sites where bonfire materials are being stored so that our team can attend and remove them before any incidents occur.” Since January, police have already responded to 62 criminal fires in the West Dunbartonshire area including 21 in Clydebank Central, seven in Clydebank Waterfront, and four in the Kilpatrick council ward.

Traditionally bonfire season sees these incidents spike.

Chief Inspector Mark Lundie said: “Bonfires are a traditional part of Guy Fawkes Day but they can also be a source of danger due to their location or construction, and in addition can become a focus for anti-social behaviour. We will be working closely with our partners including the fire service and the local authority to keep people safe.” Paul Connelly, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Area Commander, added: “This is one of our busiest times of year and illegally built bonfires tie up firefighters when they could be needed at a real emergency.” Anyone with concerns regarding bonfires or bonfire materials can report this to the council by calling 01389 772059 during the day or 0800 197 1004 out of hours.

The council is also cracking down on the illegal sale of fireworks and will be monitoring retailers to ensure they comply with the law. Officers from Trading Standards will visit fireworks’ retailers to inspect their arrangements for storing fireworks safely and to remind them that they cannot sell to anyone under 18.

Tony Cairns, chairman of the West Dunbartonshire’s Fireworks Task Group and the Council’s Trading Standards team leader, said: “As usual, any shops or other premises wishing to store fireworks require registration with Trading Standards. Retailers are reminded that, unless they have a special licence to supply fireworks all year round, fireworks can only be sold from October 15 to November 10.”