Council clamps down on pre-Bonfire Night waste

People are being encouraged to attend organised Bonfire Night events

Fly-tipped waste is being removed from council land in Bradford to prevent dangerous and illegal fires being lit in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

The council said items such as sofas, mattresses or other furniture which has been piled up on public land to create bonfires was illegal and classed as fly-tipping.

The local authority and independent social housing provider Incommunities are working together to remove the waste in the weeks ahead of 5 November.

People are also being encouraged to go to organised Bonfire Night events where safety precautions have been taken.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, portfolio holder for healthy people and places, said: "Many people are tempted to save or collect unwanted furniture and other household items to build a big bonfire, but this is still fly-tipping if it's on public land.

"It poses a serious risk wherever it's collected so we are doing all we can to ensure fly-tipped waste is removed, particularly in the run-up to Bonfire Night and would encourage people to go to organised events wherever possible."

Bradford Council said those caught fly-tipping can face a £1,000 fine or, if prosecuted in court, an unlimited fine and even a custodial sentence.

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