Should residential bonfires be banned?

Buzzy · #1 (**permalink**) 13-11-2007, 06:45 PM

I have had several incidents where neighbours have burnt large fires for prolonged periods during the day.
Mostly they burn things that need not be burnt or worse still toxic substances. It seems that anyone who burns a fire does so irresponsibly, without thinking of neighbours washing out, time to enjoy in your own garden, having to resort to closing all windows and doors, burning plastics and evergreen material which is quite toxic.
I am fed up with being the one to complain about others inconsiderate actions. So what can be done?

mh68 · #2 (**permalink**) 13-11-2007, 06:51 PM

Got the same problem here Buzzy.Despite the local council not allowing garden fires any more one household insists on burning anything they can lay their hands on every day or night.Not much you can do apart from report them, unless you confront those involved about your concerns.

Mark H

Brocker · #3 (**permalink**) 13-11-2007, 07:15 PM

Most concils now have a nuisance department in the Environmental Office. If your area is classified as a smoke free zone then these fires are classed as a nuisance and the council has an obligation to act on it within 72 hours. . . My previous council were excellent at dealing with this type of thing however my existing council are useless. I guess it depends on them but give them a call and you may be lucky.

Buzzy · #4 (**permalink**) 13-11-2007, 07:17 PM

Hi Mark
I have before confronted the persons concerned but although they do it less they still do usually during a fine day when you are in the garden. The local council don't seem too concerned by it, saying I should make a note of when and how long for. I am not in a smoke free zone. But unless it is a nuisance quite regularly they don't do much. I don't see what people have to burn I never burn a fire all my garden waste is either composted by me or the local council. Any other wasted products can be taken down the local refuse centre.
I know I'm moaning a bit but it is a subject that infuriates me whenever I think about it.
Buzz

mh68 · #5 (**permalink**) 13-11-2007, 07:24 PM

If thats the case, maybe having a word with some of your other neighbours to see if theyre as concerned as you,and a few of you having a word - not a lynching or anything

but the offending neighbour may reconsider if they realise how unpopular what theyre doing is,and that its not just the one person unhappy about them burning rubbish.

Mark H

Brocker · #6 (**permalink**) 13-11-2007, 07:42 PM

Good call Mark

honeybee · #7 (**permalink**) 13-11-2007, 09:39 PM

I thought you could only have a bonfire on a Sunday or in the evening by law. Take photos and report it to envi health with as much detail as possible, times etc. You should have the right to breathe fresh air.

mh68 · #8 (**permalink**) 13-11-2007, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by honeybee

I thought you could only have a bonfire on a Sunday or in the evening by law. Take photos and report it to envi health with as much detail as possible, times etc. You should have the right to breathe fresh air.

Around here it used to be after 7pm, until they stopped garden bonfires completely,but I guess all councils have different regulations.

Mark H

Buzzy · #9 (**permalink**) 14-11-2007, 10:45 AM

I live on the edge of a village and there are only a few immediately affected. So pressure by numbers is not possible, unfortunately.
I wish all councils would ban them in all areas. I want to be able to enjoy my outside space. To me a garden is so important to feel connected to nature and if I am forced indoors then where is my quality of life gone!?
I'm sure I'm not alone in this predicament.

Pigeon feather · #10 (**permalink**) 14-11-2007, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzzy

I live on the edge of a village and there are only a few immediately affected. So pressure by numbers is not possible, unfortunately.
I wish all councils would ban them in all areas. I want to be able to enjoy my outside space. To me a garden is so important to feel connected to nature and if I am forced indoors then where is my quality of life gone!?
I'm sure I'm not alone in this predicament.

No you are definately not alone and I completely agree with you, my neighbours three gardens along regularly burn things in their garden and I am constantly having to close my windows due to the smell of burning everywhere in the house, it's horrible

It's not good when I have washing hanging outside either as it is tainted by the smell of burning! It's amazing how inconsiderate some people are. I would contact the local council but we are moving in a few weeks, thank god!