Fire pit in garden, students burning toxic materials

[Bagpipes]

Couple of doors down students are in the garden all night burning (seemingly) whatever they can find. Last week it was an old bed, which they broke up and used for firewood. Obviously we all live in a smoke control area, but can anything be done about burning dangerous materials? Does the council have any enforcement powers? The smell was acrid and flooded into our house. I don't want to be a killjoy and understand a drink around a fire but this seems to be taking the piss.

[Bagpipes]

PS. I've gone round and asked them if they could stop and they are very understanding. But then do it again a few nights later...

[Saffron]

If they are tenants, contact the landlord?

You could also try reporting it as antisocial behaviour? http://www.southwark.gov.uk/noise-and-antisocial-behaviour

It does seem to be illegal and could incur a fine... http://www.2.southwark.gov.uk/info/200075/pollution/254/penalties_for_polluting

I think similar to other types of antisocial behaviour, the general advice is to keep a diary of all the activity as this will support your complaint. Good luck. xx

[Rosetta]

Call Southwark Environmental Health's Department.

[Bagpipes]

Thanks all, that's helpful

[Nigello]

If you told them that their actions can cause some people with breathing/lung problems to get very ill they may get the message. You shouldn't have to tell them that - they should be alert to their general anti-socialness but if you need extra persuasion, it could work.

[Jules-and-Boo]

you need to phone the fire brigade and they will come and out it out. Tell them it's toxic.

[Twilight2014]

Ah

[cookejj01]

Is this on Silvester Road by any chance?

[Rosetta]

Jules-and-Boo Wrote:

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> you need to phone the fire brigade and they will

> come and out it out. Tell them it's toxic.

Agree with this too. Bonfires aren't allowed.

[edhistory]

Rosetta Wrote:

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> Bonfires aren't allowed.

Are you sure?

[IlonaM]

From Southwark Council's website page 'The main causes of air pollution': http://www.southwark.gov.uk/air-quality/the-main-causes-of-air-pollution

'Bonfires

Bonfires and any burning in the open generate smoke and odour. The plume will affect neighbouring properties making health issues worse, spoiling washing, preventing the enjoyment of gardens and outside spaces, making people close their windows, etc.

Do not dispose of waste by burning. The whole borough is a designated Smoke Control Zone. Instead, re-cycle as much of your waste as possible.' (last updated 29 August 2017)

[edhistory]

Thanks for that IlonaM.

If you read the text more carefully it does not say bonfires are banned.

Mr Barber will probably not the e4xisting restrictions and exemptions for bonfires.

[Saffron]

edhistory Wrote:

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> Thanks for that IlonaM.

>

> If you read the text more carefully it does not

> say bonfires are banned.

>

That was my understanding as well. It's not the bonfire itself that is illegal.

It would the burning of "toxic" materials (or materials that release toxins) that is illegal, or if the fires were considered to be a "statutory nuisance".

[Rosetta]

People get away with bonfires when they aren't reported. Southwark has the power to issue fines if they persist. They usually issue a warning first.

[edhistory]

> People get away with bonfires when they aren't reported.

I don't understand this.

Are you saying that all bonfires should be reported?

[Nigello]

If they produce black smoke then yes, report, or at least tell them to stop or you will report. It is anti-social and potentially harmful to health, especially if you have a chest complaint.

[IlonaM]

edhistory Wrote:

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> Thanks for that IlonaM.

>

> If you read the text more carefully it does not

> say bonfires are banned.

>

> Mr Barber will probably not the e4xisting

> restrictions and exemptions for bonfires.

I did not assert that bonfires are banned edhistory. I posted what was on the website for your information.

Somewhere on the Southwark website it used to talk about frequency etc. in terms of nuisance, but I cannot find it at the moment. Perhaps you can?

[Renata Hamvas]

Bonfires are not banned, but burning items that produce acrid toxic fumes is. If this happens call Southwark Environmental services and they will come and inspect. Yes do they do have powers to stop such instances and will do so when they are made aware of them.

Renata