Advice issued on bonfires and burning waste in the Lancaster district

Lancaster City Council is recommending that anyone intending to burn garden waste should compost it instead, wait until the household waste centres re-open, or subscribe to its garden waste collection service.

The council said that during the coronavirus outbreak, those with respiratory/cardio related issues are more at risk, and smoke from fires could increase the chances of people becoming ill.

It also said that fires can easily get out of control and tie up resources that might be needed elsewhere.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has also asked people not to burn waste.

It said: "As we all begin to adjust to life under lockdown many of us will be looking to catch up on the odd job around the house.

"From clearing the garage and tidying up the loft, to sprucing up the garden.

"And, with many local councils running reduced waste collection services and closing recycling centres we are seeing many households think about bonfires as a way to remove waste.

"We urge people to be considerate when it comes to burning waste and ask you not to do so at this time.

"Whilst the smells might be unpleasant the smoke could have more serious implications.

"Any neighbours with underlying respiratory issues, or even suffering from coronavirus itself could find their conditions aggravated by these fires."

A spokesman for Lancaster City Council said: "If people are burning garden waste, we would recommend that they either compost the waste, retain it until the HWRCs re-open or subscribe to our garden waste collection service at Lancaster.gov.uk/garden-waste.

"In terms of solid fuel stoves, aside from Lancaster (which is largely designated as a smoke control area) there are no local restrictions in relation to indoor appliances if installed and used correctly.

"More information is available on our website: Lancaster.gov.uk/environmental-health/environmental-protection/smoke-control."