Message Received: Oct 16 2006, 08:07 AM
From: "Rice, Chris"
To: "Kam Hong Leung"
Cc: "Rajan, Lisa" , "Noblet, Paul" , "Sheaff, Jon" , "Steve Cornish (DDC, FRDW + RAC)" , "The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland's Yahoo! Group" , "Highman, Paul"
Subject: RE: Russia Dock Woodland :  Japanese Knotweed

Kam,

I did check them last week and I agree that they do not look as though the herbicide has completely taken, however bearing in mind that it is a systemic weed killer, i.e., it attacks the root system. I will check again later in the month and if necessary issue a further works order.

Even if successful it usually takes several years to control it.So I will have it sprayed again next year, normally this would be done May & September,

Chris.

Halloween and Bonfire Night

Halloween and Firework Night have caused problems for schools, businesses and community groups in Southwark in the past.

Southwark Council and Southwark Police take your concerns seriously and extra work is being done to reduce the likelihood of firework misuse and deliberate fire setting. SSP will use the full extent of our powers to make sure those who cause damage and nuisance are dealt with.

SSP will not tolerate:

1. Criminal damage of our estates and parks
2. Illegal bonfires in public places such as parks or open land on housing estates
3. Fireworks being set off in public places or after 11pm
4. The sale of fireworks to under 18's

If you know of anybody letting off fireworks dangerously, damaging your area to build bonfires or selling fireworks to young people, please call SSP on 020 7525 5777.  

The Law

The law now prohibits any person under the age of 18 from possessing fireworks in a public place. Those caught damaging property, building illegal bonfires or letting off fireworks dangerously could receive:

• Fixed Penalty Notices and On-The-Spot Fines
• Criminal Prosecution
• Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)
• Injunctions  

Here is some practical advice on how to reduce the risk of damage to your property over this period.

• Try to make sure there are no combustible materials (such as cardboard or newspapers for recycling) stored near the outside of your property
• Make sure there are no fabrics such as washing outside of your property
• If you are concerned about fireworks being put through your letterbox a temporary fix would be to gaffer tape it shut. Victim Support can fit a fire proof letterbox in properties where such incidents have occurred. Additionally fireproof letter boxes can be bought in shops.
• Make sure all windows and doors are kept shut
• If possible park any vehicles in a secure garage  

Firework Safety Tips

If you are having fireworks at home, remember the following safety tips:

• Only buy fireworks marked BS7114
• Light them at arm's length, using a taper
• Never go near a firework that has been lit
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
• Always supervise children
• Never give sparklers to a child under five
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Keep pets indoors

1.      When and Where and Who?

Please give the exact details of where (include address) and when (date and start / finish times) your party will take place: 

Fireworks

All fireworks conform to BS 7114?                                                                 Yes/No   

(http://www.dti.gov.uk/consumers/Safety/fireworks-policy/index.html)                                 

A metal container is provided to store fireworks prior to use?                       Yes/No

Spectators prohibited from bringing their own fireworks?                              Yes/No

Does the person lighting the fireworks have gloves and goggles?                Yes/No  

Fire and Emergency

Has an emergency plan been developed?                                                     Yes/No

Is there a sign-posted evacuation route?                                                       Yes/No Please give details: ___________________________________________         

In the event of an incident who would contact the emergency services?

Please give details: ___________________________________________  

Notification of Event

Have the police been notified?                                                                        Yes/No

When and by whom? _________________________________________

Have the community wardens been notified?                                                Yes/No

When and by whom? _________________________________________

Have the ambulance services been notified?                                                 Yes/No

When and by whom? _________________________________________

Has the fire brigade been notified (28 days in advance)?                              Yes/No

When and by whom? _________________________________________

The fireworks code for adults

·         Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks

·         Light them at arm’s length, using a taper.  Stand well back

·         NEVER go near a firework that has been lit.  Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode

·         NEVER put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.

·         Always supervise children around fireworks.

·         Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves

·         NEVER give sparklers to a child under five

·         Don’t set off fireworks late at night and NEVER after 11pm. 

Remember:

• Warn your neighbours that you are having a firework party – consider the diverse range of languages within your community.
• Check the site and remove any flammable materials or liquids (e.g. grass cuttings, litter, lighter fluids etc) before the event.
• Read the instructions carefully before lighting fireworks and follow the fireworks code.

Fireworks are often used to celebrate events, the most renowned being November 5th.  Firework misuse and deliberate fire setting can cause injury, damage and even death,  so we would like to take this opportunity to give you some practical advice on how to reduce the risks over this period.

How to keep your kids safe this Halloween:

Children and young people usually enjoy Halloween, especially as it can often involve dressing up and "trick or treat" activities, but it can be a worrying time for parents and adults. Please take a few minutes to read through the following safety tips:

1.  Try to ensure any fancy-dress costumes are flame-retardant, especially if using lantern.
2. Costumes should not be too long or restrict your child's freedom to move
3. Some masks can obstruct a child's vision, a potential danger, especially if they are crossing the road.  Consider using face paints instead
4. If your children are going outside, they should always be accompanied by at least one adult
5. Consider placing reflective tape on any costumes to make them more visible at night
6. Some costumes, coupled with the excitement of Halloween can encourage anti-social behaviour. Fake knives, swords and other accessories can hurt or scare people. Make sure your child understands this and that any potential dangerous items are made of cardboard or other flexible materials.
7. Remind your children not to enter anyone's  house or accept a lift from anyone

Southwark Police will not tolerate anyone behaving in an anti-social manner or committing criminal activities and will use our powers accordingly.

Southwark Police and Southwark Council take any concerns seriously and we will use the full extent of our powers to make sure that those who cause injury, damage and nuisance are dealt with.

We will not tolerate:

Criminal damage of our estates and parks

Illegal bonfires in public places such as parks or  open land on housing estates

Fireworks being set off in public places or after 11pm

The sale of fireworks to under 18's

If you know of anybody letting off fireworks dangerously, damaging your area to build bonfires or selling fireworks to young people, please call 020 7525 5777.  In an emergency always call 999.  For all non-emergencies, please call Southwark control room on 020 73781212.

The law and fireworks:
The law now prohibits any person under the age of 18 from possessing fireworks in a public place.  Those caught damaging property, building illegal bonfires or letting off fireworks dangerously could receive:

-  Fixed penalty notices and on the spot fines
-  Criminal prosecution
-  Anti social behaviour orders (ASBOs)
-  Injunctions

Safety tips:
If you are having fireworks at home, remember the following safety tips:

1. Only buy fireworks marked BS7114
2. Light them at arm's length, using a taper
3. Never go near a firework that has been lit
4. Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
5. Always supervise children
6. Light sparklers one at a time, hold at arms length  and wear gloves
7. Keep pets indoors
8. Inform neighbours and be aware of their concerns
9. Read the instructions in daylight or with a torch
10. One person, clearly identified, should be responsible for the fireworks
11. Have torch, bucket of water, eye protection and   gloves ready on the night

More information can be found on Southwark Council's website at http://www.southwark.gov.uk/

Organised events:

Southwark Park 

Sunday 5th  November 2006.  7pm start. Free entry