Residents’ Association councillors have been contacted on several occasions over the last couple of weeks about the increasing number of bonfires people are lighting in their gardens, both during the day and at night.
Whilst under many circumstances bonfires are legally allowed, the sheer number that are being lit in certain areas is having a significant impact on residents living with breathing disorders, including asthma and CPOD, at a time when they need to be maintaining good health. The burning of rubbish can also raise air pollution levels, prevent people hanging out their washing and stop them having bedroom windows open at night.
Havering Council have warned that people must never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres or anything containing plastic, foam or paint. Anyone who burns rubbish that causes a nuisance, may be issued an ‘abatement notice’ and a fine.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, smoke emitted from a bonfire may be prejudicial to health or a nuisance. See the council web page on what would constitute a statutory nuisance, and how to report it – www.havering.gov.uk/pollution .
