We have had reports of bonfires causing problems to residents in Ryhall and Belmesthorpe who because of the lockdown are unable to leave their homes.
There are no laws against having a bonfire, but the Government states that there are laws for the nuisance they can cause.
In the first instance we suggest that when possible a friendly word between neighbours in the first instance can sort out any problem and indeed that has happened with one complaint in Ryhall.
It is important that in this time of national emergency the spirit of cooperation is maintained and common sense and respect are made a priority.
So: Please don’t let your bonfire be a nuisance.
And, if you are bothered by a bonfire, there is no need to suffer in silence. A polite word can work wonders.
Here are some other pointers:
You cannot get rid of household waste if it will cause pollution or harm people’s health. This includes burning it.
You can get rid of household or garden waste by composting or recycling it. Contact your local council to find out how to dispose of garden waste and about recycling in your area.
You could be fined if you light a fire and allow the smoke to drift across the road and become a danger to traffic.
Your county council can issue an ‘abatement notice’ if a neighbour’s bonfire is causing a nuisance. A bonfire must happen frequently to be considered a nuisance.
Here is a link:
https://www.gov.uk/garden-bonfires-rules
Please also note the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which states that “the following matters constitute ‘statutory nuisances’ that is to say—
(b) smoke emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance.”
Here is a local link: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-community/community-safety/nuisance-neighbours/
