Complaints about bonfires in Dudley increase by 500 per cent during lockdown
Complaints about bonfires in the Dudley borough have rocketed by more than 500 per cent since households were locked down due to coronavirus, it has been revealed.
Dudley Council's environmental health bosses have received 123 complaints since March 23 – a rate of more than five a day.
It compares to just 20 between March 23 and April 15 last year – a rise of 515 per cent.
Although bonfires are not banned in the borough, residents in Dudley are being asked to refrain from burning waste for the duration of the outbreak. Burning waste causes smoke and unpleasant smells, which cause air pollution. It could also have a serious impact on the health of neighbours, especailly if they have conditions which put them at a greater risk.
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley Council's cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "The rise in the number of complaints about bonfires since the lockdown is staggering.
"Moreover, as it only covers official complaints made to the council, I suspect it is only the tip of the iceberg bearing in mind all the comments I have seen on social media about the issue.
"It shows the strength of feeling, that it is something a large amount of residents are upset and unhappy about, and I completely understand that.
"Now more than ever, we need to be considerate of our neighbours. With many of us confined to our homes, it is really important we access fresh air as much as possible whether through an open window or enjoying our gardens.
"Garden fires can cause a real nuisance and could potentially impact on the wellbeing of someone who may have a health complication that you’re unaware of. "
Councillor Barlow added: "At a time when our colleagues in the NHS are facing unprecedented pressures, we need to avoid behaviour and activity that could add to their workload.
"We all need to think of others during these unprecedented times. We appeal to all residents to compost where they can or bag and store garden waste until our normal garden waste collections resume.
"I would like to thank everyone for bearing with us as we navigate through these difficult times."
