NEWS RELEASES
Bonfire advice
30 July 2008
RESPONSIBLE alternatives to having a garden bonfire are being suggested by Horsham District Council.
Having a garden bonfire is likely to be seen as anti-social by many residents, and the Council’s Public Health and Licensing Department deals with over 100 complaints from residents about garden bonfires each year.
Bonfires are not the best option for the environment and can produce pollutants that are damaging to human health. In particularly warm weather the potential for fire spreading uncontrollably is also an important consideration.
There are responsible alternatives than burning garden waste.
Getting rid of rubbish?
- Get a garden composter, subsidised by the Council. Call freephone 0845 0770757 quoting ‘HCA2’
- Use the nearest civic amenity site to recycle and dispose of waste. Sites are at Hop Oast, Worthing Road, Horsham or Newbridge Road, Billingshurst.
- Olus Environmental (01273 494040) near Wineham composts excess garden waste for a minimal fee
- Hire a skip for bulk refuse from a local hire company
If a bonfire is the only option, the following hints may be helpful:
- Make sure all materials will burn quickly and are dry to limit smoke
- Keep the bonfire small to restrict burning time
- Check weather conditions to ensure the smoke does not blow directly into neighbouring properties
- Avoid burning at the weekends and bank holidays when people may be out in their gardens
- Check for small animals before lighting
- Don’t burn household waste, nappies, tyres, plastics, foam or paint
- Don’t use petrol, engine oil or methylated spirits to ignite the fire
- Don’t leave the bonfire unattended
- Don’t light a fire when air quality is poor.
Information on air quality is available on Horsham District Council’s website.
It is an offence to cause a statutory nuisance from regular bonfires. Persistent offenders could be prosecuted by the Council and fined up to £5000.
To report a nuisance from a bonfire or for information or advice, please contact Horsham District Council on (01403) 215609 or
email: publichealth.licensing@horsham.gov.uk
Ends
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk