FIREFIGHTERS have sent a clear message to residents in two streets where 225 fires have been deliberately started in just 36 months.

Between 2002 and 2005 Gravesend firefighters were called to Thistle Road and Dering Way more times than to any other street in the whole of the Riverside ward.

The blazes account for more than two thirds of all deliberately started fires in the whole ward.

In Dering Way alone, yobs set fire to 28 cars, caused 87 rubbish fires and torched 20 other abandoned vehicles.

Officers estimate up to an hour of firefighting time is lost each time they are called to a deliberately started blaze.

In a bid to stamp out the problem, Kent Fire and Rescue Service dispatched officers to Riverside to warn of the dangers and uncover why the fires are being started.

They showed residents fire demonstrations explaining how a blaze can quickly take hold and cause greater damage than intended.

The January 28 event, in Dickens Road, was organised as part of Operation Tutis a partnership between the fire brigade, Gravesham Council and the police.

It aims to target Riverside and make the area a safer place to live.

Community fire safety officer Tim Gibson said there was a positive response from residents and youngsters.

He said: "The figures are quite a surprise.

"We found flytipping to be a concern but now we are working in partnership with the council we can get it cleared up.

"If there is less rubbish then the chances of a fire being started are reduced."

He added: "We are also sending youth diversion workers out to talk to youngsters on the streets in the evening to find out why they are starting the fires.

"They are not just putting their own lives at risk by starting these fires.

"They are putting others at risk too we can't attend two fires at once."

Mr Gibson added residents were glad action was being taken.

Officers hope to see a reduction in the amount of deliberate fires within the next two months.

l Do you live in Thistle Road or Dering Way? Or have you witnessed fires being started deliberately? Tell News Shopper your experiences by calling 01689 885721.