Sandwell Council issues warning over garden bonfires
A Black Country council has urged residents not to light fires in their gardens.
It comes after garden waste collections were suspended in Sandwell following the coronavirus outbreak.
Sandwell Council has received reports of residents lighting bonfires on their properties.
The council, alongside waste collector Serco, have also stopped collecting bulky waste in the borough.
Instead bin crews are prioritising general waste and recycled waste during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sandwell's deputy council leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, said: "Please be considerate to others – please do not light bonfires in your gardens.
"More than ever, we all need fresh air – especially as people are staying at home.
"Garden fires are also dangerous and can get out of control. Our emergency services are also under pressure at the moment . So please, do not light fires.
"Any extra garden waste you have can be composted in a home composter, stored in your garden or bagged and put in your shed or garage until our garden waste collections resume.
"You must never burn household waste, rubber, petrol or plastics. Please help keep the air clean for everyone."
More information is available on the council website www.sandwell.gov.uk/bins
