PEOPLE’S safety is being put at risk because firefighters are having to deal with nuisance blazes started by yobs, say fire brigade chiefs.

A series of anti-social behaviour initiatives are being rolled out following a surge in the number of bonfires in Hemlington, which fire bosses say are diverting away their resources.

The incidents, which started last month, have already led to 11 people having to sign acceptable behaviour contracts.

To reduce the number of wheelie bin fires, social accommodation provider Erimus Housing is locking the bins to posts so they cannot be stolen and set alight.

More crime-fighting ideas are being introduced by the landlord in partnership with Cleveland Fire Brigade, Cleveland Police, Safe in Tees Valley and Middlesbrough Council’s Neighbourhood Management team on the troubled estate.

Susie Thompson, group director of operations for the Fabrick Housing Group, the parent company of Erimus Housing, said: “We want to divert young people away from fire setting, and provide advice and support to local residents to reduce the amount of nuisance fires.”

Last month, Hemlington was the worst ward in the Cleveland Fire Brigade area for deliberate fire setting.

In the first two weeks, there were 12 nuisance fires, doubling last year’s figure for the same month.

There were also 20 deliberate fires, up from seven the previous year.

Andy Witham, station manager at Coulby Newham fire station, said the high level of deliberate fires was unacceptable.

“It is a drain on our valuable resources, as it stops us from delivering our core services and keeping the community safe from fire,” he said.

“This multi-agency approach shows the benefits of working together with a common purpose.”

CCTV cameras have already been increased in the area.

The fire brigade will be touring the area with its community education vehicle and Cleveland Police have increased their patrols on the streets.

The Neighbourhood Safety Team is using its neighbourhood safety trailer to speak to local people, and the Safe in Tees Valley youth inclusion bus will be hoping to attract young people onboard.