Bonfire clear up costs Council £8,000
THE Vale of Glamorgan Council had to spend around £8,000 to clear up debris left from large unregulated bonfires following Guy Fawkes Night.
These fires, which were not properly organised or controlled, were lit at three sites in Barry fuelled by a range household waste and other unsuitable materials.
Sizeable scorch marks were left on the ground, along with partially burned rubbish, in areas near Burns Crescent, Cadoc Crescent and Caldy Close.
The Council had removed a large pile of firewood at the first of these locations, only for it to be replaced by a collection of other items.
Those responsible for the fires made no attempt to clear up after themselves or even bag the material so that it could be more easily collected by Council staff.
Officers of the Council will be liaising with South Wales Fire and Resue Services to review options for preventing such behaviour in future.
Cllr Mark Wilson, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, said: “Unfortunately, the Council regularly has to deal with the clear up caused by big, impromptu bonfires at this time of year, but last week was as bad as the teams involved can remember.
“Not only is lighting a large amount of varying material in an unmanaged fashion without proper planning dangerous, it is extremely bad for the environment. The smoke given off causes pollution, while the ground has suffered long-term, if not permanent, damage.
“Removing the mess also comes at a significant cost to the Council Tax payer.
“At a time when Council budgets are under more pressure than ever before, last week’s expense was extremely unwelcome.
“We are not trying to stop anyone enjoying fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night. There were plenty of carefully organised displays around the Vale where this could be done safely.
“But lighting fires like we saw recently is completely unacceptable and those responsible need to realise this.”