West Lothian youths in Bonfire Night ‘war zone’ village praised after incident-free event

West Lothian village of Blackburn, once known as a “war zone” during Bonfire Night, received high praise this year as the event passed without any incidents. The Blackburn Bonfire Night Action Group, established in 2019 following a surge in anti-social behaviour, commended the young people in the village for their exemplary conduct.

Alison Kerr, the chairperson of the action group, expressed her appreciation for the youths in the village, highlighting the positive change compared to previous years. While other areas in West Lothian and Edinburgh experienced disturbances and vandalism, Blackburn remained peaceful. Following issues in 2018, the community took a stand against anti-social behaviour, leading to a significant improvement this year.

The community collaborated before the event to create diversionary activities for teenagers in Blackburn, resulting in a successful and incident-free Bonfire Night. Station Commander Jim Robertson of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service noted the village as one of the calmest areas for fire crews that night.

The success of the Blackburn Bonfire Night Action Group was recognised by MSPs, who studied the partnership working with the community, council, and emergency services as a model for recent firework legislation. Councillor Mary Dickson, chairing the local area committee, praised the positive outcome and improvements in the village.

Michelle Murray, the council regeneration officer, highlighted the concerted efforts of various agencies and residents in promoting positive behaviour during bonfire night. The action group’s action plan, involving awareness-raising campaigns and community sessions, contributed to the village’s peaceful atmosphere.

Overall, the transformation of Blackburn from a troubled “war zone” to a peaceful community during Bonfire Night showcases the power of collaboration and community engagement in tackling anti-social behaviour and fostering a safe environment for all.

**Insights and Summary:**
The story of Blackburn village in West Lothian serves as an inspiring example of how a community can come together to address challenges and create positive change. The proactive measures taken by residents, authorities, and young people demonstrate the impact of collaboration and collective effort in creating a safe and harmonious environment during events like Bonfire Night. This success story highlights the importance of community engagement, youth empowerment, and effective partnership working in tackling anti-social behaviour and promoting a sense of unity and responsibility among residents.