SANDWELL’S Safer 6 campaign is back and launches with an action-packed open day for all the family at Haden Cross Fire Station this weekend.

The Safer Sandwell Partnership campaign, now in its eighth year, runs for six weeks and brings public services together, including fire, council, police, health and probation services, as well as a number of voluntary and community organisations.

Safer 6’s autumn campaign is all about organisations targeting their efforts and providing extra reassurance during the darker nights, fireworks and bonfire season – a time when crime and anti-social behaviour can rise.

Mayor of Sandwell, Cllr Ahmadul Haque, will officially launch the campaign at a special open day at 10.30am on Saturday (September 23) at the Halesowen Road fire station, which runs until 4pm.

West Midlands Fire Service’s Jason Jew, who’s chairing the campaign for the fifth year, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to all organisations and volunteers taking part this year and encourage everyone to join us at our fun and informative open day.

“This campaign is all about working together and building on the day-to-day work carried out by all our partners.”

Among the events at the open day will be crime prevention advice from West Midlands Police, chip pan fire demonstrations by the fire service, and Sandwell Council’s Youth Bus will be out and about promoting young people’s services.

Attractions include face painting, glitter tattoos, a bouncy castle, dance, make-up sessions, a raffle, and refreshments, while Black Country Radio will be bringing the music to keep the whole family entertained.

Councillor Syeda Khatun, Sandwell Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhoods and communities, said: “A wide range of organisations are working together and with the community.

“They will tackle local issues, clean up ‘grot spot’ areas and promote seasonal safety, crime prevention and health advice to people of all ages.”

Rowley Regis will be the focus of the campaign from September 25 to October 1, while Oldbury will be concentrated on from October 2 to 8.

More information about what the campaign will be doing during the coming weeks is available online at www.sandwell.gov.uk/safer6, or follow the campaign on Twitter using the #Safer6 hashtag.

Sandwell Police Superintendent Richard Youds, added: “This is a time of year when the nights draw in and we need to target our efforts and provide extra reassurance.

“We are all working to make a safer Sandwell for everyone, responding to the issues that matter most to Sandwell people.”