Overview
- The long-running Bidston Rise bonfire was taken down on November 4, with a police van seen at the site, a day before the planned event.
- Magenta Living told the organiser the bonfire was built without permission and warned that lighting or maintaining it would breach tenancy conditions and could trigger formal action and cost recovery.
- Organiser Jon Finch says he has withdrawn from the event after receiving the warning letter, fearing he could lose his home.
- Residents describe the bonfire as a safe community tradition and report being told a smaller fire might be allowed, but Magenta denies granting any permission of any size.
- A tighter approval process introduced in 2025 after Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service recommendations requires smaller, safer bonfires, and Magenta says the structure recently exceeded council guidelines.