25/10/2011 - Permalink

Bonfire Night advice

Related topics: Community

People in Shrewsbury who want to organise their own community bonfire in the town are being advised to seek permission from the town council prior to the event.

Any group or individual planning a bonfire within the town is asked to contact Shrewsbury Town Council with their request, which will be considered on the grounds of health and safety and risk of disruption to surrounding areas.

Any unauthorised bonfire built on town council land will be treated as flytipping and may result in prosecution.

Mike Cox, Outdoor Recreation & Asset Manager for Shrewsbury Town Council, said:

“The town council will need to check that any bonfire event is properly organised to ensure risk of injury, damage to property, pollution and nuisance issues have been minimised so the event can be safe and enjoyable for all concerned.”

To submit a request, email: mike.cox-stc@shropshire.gov.uk or call 01743 257659 for more information.

Shrewsbury Town Council is working with the fire service, police, Shropshire Council and Severnside Housing through the Safer Communities Partnership to help ensure bonfire night is celebrated safely.

Elsewhere in the county, the advice is that people should contact the relevant landowners if they are planning to hold a community bonfire.

As in previous years, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, with the support of local police, will extinguish all reported bonfires from 10pm onwards between 24 October 2011 and 5 November 2011.

Residents are reminded they can call the 24-hour reporting line on 0345 678 9020 if they are a victim, or witness, of anti-social behaviour.

Bonfire advice

  • When building a bonfire please make sure it is far enough away from any buildings or other items which could catch fire.  When lit, bonfires must be continuously attended by responsible adults.
  • Wood, cardboard and dried garden waste can be burnt safely under supervision.
  • The burning of plastics, tyres, oil, pressurised containers and other hazardous materials is not acceptable and can result in prosecution.
  • Further information on what is deemed to be hazardous, can be obtained from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.