FIREFIGHTERS will be spreading fire safety messages in a St Helens community after a series of wheelie bin blazes.

In the last fortnight there have been seven bins torched in the area near Eccleston Street, Newtown.

Amongs the wheelie bin fires were two in Rodney Street and one in Enfield Street on Thursday morning, October 10.

It has led to a warning from fire bosses for residents to only leave bins out on the day of collection.

With a controversial new bin collection service having being introduced across the borough, it has led to earlier emptying times, meaning some residents are leaving them out overnight.

Sara Garside, community fire prevention district manager for St Helens, said: “There have been a number of wheelie bin fires this month in St Helens and we want to limit the chance of one of these fires happening again.

"As a result of this fire crews and the St Helens fire prevention team will be visiting roads in the Eccleston Street area of St Helens on Monday, October 21, with partners including Helena Partnerships as part of a walkabout.

“We advise that, if possible, people put their wheelie bins out on the day of collection and keep them safe and secure at other times and away from doors and windows.

“We work with and liaise with police if there is a deliberate fire, including those involving wheelie bins.”