Huge 20ft bonfire in housing estate sparks safety fears

The council is concerned about the potential dangers

A huge bonfire - measuring about 20ft (6m) high and 80ft (24.3m) wide and built with items including a sofa, mattresses and wooden doors - has appeared on a housing estate, sparking safety concerns.

People in Penrhys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, have been collecting wood for weeks and said their Bonfire Night event brings the community together.

But Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said it "does not support unofficial bonfires", adding they often contained dangerous items.

Housing association Trivallis, which owns the land, said it has made the "relevant agencies" aware.

Locals say the event "brings people together"

The bonfire, which is on a large grassy area within the estate, is estimated to be about 20ft (6m) high and 80ft (24.3m) wide.

Speaking to BBC Wales on Wednesday, while people continued to add to the pile with more items, 18-year-old Taz Rees said it has been "stressful".

Mr Rees said: "We have to get up very early and we are working through the whole day to get to what we have here now."

Items placed within the bonfire include a sofa and wooden doors

An estimated 1,500 people came to the event last year and the group said more are expected on Wednesday.

"Loads of people come up here and enjoy themselves, we do it for the community. It gives the children some joy," Mr Rees added.

Neil Thomas, a community worker and local resident, said safety is a key concern for organisers and emergency services will "be around on the night to monitor it".

"There's always been bonfires up here but it was a good idea bring it into one area and make it a community event," he said.

"Since they've been doing that it's been brilliant - it brings people together."

Taz Rees said people "get up very early" to build the bonfire

A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: "What might seem like fun can quickly turn into a seriously dangerous situation and anyone attending these events do so at their own risk.

"Over the years we have uncovered many dangerous items in unofficial bonfires, including tyres, mattresses and sofas, which produce toxic fumes, and even half-filled gas cannisters which pose a risk of explosion."

A spokesperson for Trivallis said; 'We've been aware of the community-led event planned for Penrhys for a few weeks and have been in contact with the relevant agencies to ensure they're aware and able to monitor it appropriately.'