A FIRE service which is fed up with dealing with deliberate fires is offering £3,000 for ideas of how to reduce them.

Cleveland Fire Brigade responded to more than 2,200 deliberate fires between January and June this year and says 85 per cent of its call outs are related to them – the highest rate in the country.

It is a problem which is estimated to cost the local economy near £13m.

The service is now asking community groups to come up with innovative ideas to help reduce the nuisance fires – and is offering grants of up to £3,000.

Helen Winskill, commissioned services manager, said: “We are looking for projects with innovative approaches to engaging with people who are setting fires or projects that reduce the opportunity for arsonists to start fires. We know where the fires are happening. We need your help to prevent them.

"We encourage community groups to think outside the box and be creative. We are offering small grants and you can apply for any amount up to £3,000. We expect projects to be completed within 12 months of the grant being issued. Your application must tell us what you want to do and why you believe this approach will help us.

“The ideas will be targeted on hotspot areas across Cleveland and application packs will include full guidance notes and outline these areas. All projects will be evaluated to see if they have a positive impact on reducing deliberate fires.”

The brigade has £15,000 available for grants. The projects can include diversionary activities for young people, new physical structures or cleaning up the local environment.

To request an application pack email smallgrants@clevelandfire.gov.uk.

The deadline for applications is 12noon on Tuesday, August 31.

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