Police today made a rallying call to the community in an effort to stop a repeat of the last year's trouble on Bonfire Night in Manningham.

Police in riot gear sealed off a street after two men were shot by an air pistol last year. In a separate incident a mile away, yobs hurled bricks and fireworks at cars and police vehicles.

Residents were praised by police for helping diffuse the situation and it is hoped they will join in again to stop trouble flaring up.

The police are appealing to people to get involved in organising a community bonfire for the Manningham, Girlington and Lister's Mill area.

Sergeant Roy Wensley, Toller Lane's community safety officer, said: "In the wake of the problems we have had in previous years on November 5, we want members of the community to take the lead in organising their own fireworks night.

"We have tried several ways in the past and this is another way which we hope will prove successful."

Sergeant Wensley said he hoped that the bonfire night celebrations will be a locally led event, supported by Toller Lane police, Bradford Council and other agencies.

Councillor John Ruding, chairman of the Council's community safety sub-committee, said: "It has been proved that people are far safer attending community bonfires and that there are fewer accidents at organised events.

"I would urge people to take the sensible option and take their families to a community event rather than buying a box of fireworks and setting them off in their own gardens."

PCs Gary Wright and Gordon Eddison, of Toller Lane's community safety unit, will be liaising with the fire service and youth services to ensure that the night will be a safe evening out.

PC Eddison will be talking about fireworks safety in local schools. Anyone who wants to help organise the event should contact Sgt Wensley on (01274) 376219.

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