BONFIRES!! # BE KIND
There has been a lot of comment about bonfires being lit causing distress and discomfort. So, let's try to follow this guidance.......please.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic we would ask and recommend that residents do not use bonfires as a way to dispose of their garden waste. Not only may a bonfire be more bothersome to neighbours who must remain at home, but it could also irritate those with covid-19 symptoms and other health problems.
The Code of Practice for garden bonfires does not exclude any person from their legal liabilities under Section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Anyone lighting a bonfire should ensure that no nuisance or danger is caused to neighbours by smoke, burning particles or odour, and that the bonfire is sited so that it reduces the likelihood of nuisance.
If the bonfire causes a problem then this may mean you are causing a statutory nuisance. Where people use common sense, bonfires are not usually a problem. If you absolutely have to burn garden waste please follow these guidelines:-
· Ideally bonfires should only be allowed to burn between sunset and 10pm and avoid burning on hot and humid evenings
· Only burn green waste when it is completely dry so it burns quickly and causes minimum of smoke.
· Wind direction - burn when the wind will carry the smoke AWAY from neighbouring houses.
· Notify neighbours of your intention so that they may close windows or remove washing from clothes lines.
· Once lit, the bonfire should be kept under supervision and should be completely extinguished before being left.