I have received this. Thought I would repost it on here.
It's likely our gardens have been getting much more attention while we remain at home to help the NHS and beat the Corona-virus.
It's great for the gardens, but we're also hearing concerns about the number of garden bonfires and residents are asking what the rules are locally.
Well, there are no byelaws in Teignbridge against having a bonfire, but there are laws against the nuisance they can cause.
There are alternatives to a bonfire. For example, the green garden waste collection service from Teignbridge is still running and you can still order a green bin or even an additional bin. For more details, use this link to take you to the Teignbridge Council website www.teignbridge.gov.uk/gardenwaste or phone 01626 361101.
Also, rather than burn waste, it could be the opportunity to begin composting. There may well be an area of the garden which can be used for a compost heap which can also help put the nutrients back into the garden.
If there really is no alternative to a bonfire, here's some advice from the Environmental Health team at Teignbridge:
Bonfires - please be considerate
Please think carefully before lighting bonfires whilst the Coronavirus controls are in place.
Smoke or smell from them might affect neighbours and could aggravate any health conditions.
Cut up your woody garden waste and store it somewhere safe to dry out for the next few months.
Never burn garden waste that is still green or recently cut, and never burn any other household waste.
If you're bothered by a bonfire we suggest that you try and talk to the person responsible.
They may not realise they're causing a problem. If this doesn't resolve the problem or you can't talk to the person responsible, you can report it to us.
If you choose to have a bonfire, please consider the following guidelines:
- please register all bonfires with the Fire Service on 0333 399 0014. This is so they can check in with you if they receive 999 calls reporting a fire in the same area.
- ensure that plastics, rubber, painted materials, plywood and chipboard are not burned as they can give off poisonous chemicals - some of which can cause cancer
- avoid having a bonfire when the wind is blowing in the direction of your neighbours
- before lighting a bonfire, consult your neighbours as this will give them time to shut windows and bring washing inside
- never use petrol, methyl spirits or similar to light the fire
There is a stiff penalty for people who light a fire and allow the smoke to drift across the road and become a danger to traffic.
Teignbridge can issue an 'abatement notice' if a bonfire is causing a nuisance. There's a fine of up to £5,000 for not following the rules of the notice. More information and for details about how to report a nuisance bonfire is available here - www.teignbridge.gov.uk/environmental-health-and-wellbeing/noise-and-nuisance/bonfires/
We hope you are well and staying safe, remaining at home if at all possible. If you need help or advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
With best wishes,
Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury - linda.goodman.bradbury@teignbridge.gov.uk - Tel 07980 958606
Cllr John Petherick - john.petherick@teignbridge.gov.uk - Tel 01626 864655
Cllr Linda Petherick - linda.petherick@teignbridge.gov.uk - Tel 07515 452879
Cllr Gary Taylor - gary.taylor@teignbridge.gov.uk - Tel 07712 527101
Cllr Martin Wrigley - martin.wrigley@teignbridge.gov.uk - Tel 07977 088888
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