BONFIRE complaints to Stroud District Council have increased by 45 percent compared to the same time last year.

Now the council's environmental health team is asking residents, rather than lighting a bonfire, to consider other ways of getting rid of garden waste.

“With many people returning to the workplace, it’s easy to forget that many are still also quarantining at home, including those with a positive test result”, said Dave Jackson, Stroud District Council’s Environmental Protection Manager.

“Coronavirus is a respiratory disease, and the smoke from bonfires will also cause real problems for people with underlying health conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and heart conditions.”

Instead of lighting a bonfire, there are a number of other ways to get rid of garden waste: -

Build a compost heap. A compost heap can be created by simply piling garden waste into a corner of the garden and covering with something waterproof, allowing nature to break it down over time. Or buy a ready-made compost bin, SDC residents can buy them at a discount from getcomposting.com

Hire a shredder. Shredders make mulch from woody waste.

Take waste to a household waste and recycling centre such as Pyke Quarry near Horsley. Run by Gloucestershire County Council, it is open seven days a week. To book a visit see: gloucestershirerecycles.com/