Bonfires

From the Parish Magazine September 2001

Following questions to the Parish Council, we got hold of a copy of a leaflet from the City Council Environmental Protection Team (01962-840222). The following has been extracted from the leaflet with their permission.

• If you must light a bonfire, ensure that the material to be burnt is dry. This will minimise the amount of smoke produced.

• Do not light a fire when the weather conditions might cause the smoke to travel into your neighbour's garden or property.

• Never leave a fire to smoulder: put it out with water or soil.

• Remember, heaps of garden refuse provide a haven for small animals such as hedgehogs.

• Take care to keep children away from a bonfire.

THE LAW: Under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, smoke caused by bonfires may be a statutory nuisance. The City Council has powers to take action. Bonfires that are near to roads and causing inconvenience or danger can also be an offence under the Highways Act 1980.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: If you have a complaint, it is best to discuss it initially with the person responsible: they may not realise that they are causing a problem. Explain the details of your complaint and try to agree on a reasonable solution or compromise.