Claims Bradford Council “didn’t get to grips” with illegal fires over Bonfire period

On Tuesday Bradford Council issued a release describing how the work of the authority and partners like police and the fire service had led to a “calmer” Bonfire period than in recent years.

But Councillor Matt Edwards (Green, Holme Wood and Bierley) says the picture “hasn’t been as rosy as the Council is suggesting.”

He said in many areas of the District there were Bonfires that were little more than crowds of people burning potentially toxic fly tipping.

In Holme Wood there are a number of locations where the remains of this burning are still present.

Council bosses have said that the Bonfire period is one of the busiest times of year for Council services, and that the “safe and responsible disposal of unwanted items” is the best way to stop such issues arising.

Coun Edwards, leader of the Green Party group on Bradford Council, said: “Credit to the emergency services, council street cleaning teams and the community groups who worked hard to keep people safe. But the picture hasn’t been as rosy everywhere as the council is suggesting.

“In parts of the district, including in my ward, the council didn’t get to grips with illegal burning.

“Many of these weren’t community bonfires. They were piles of fly-tipped rubbish being set alight, including fridges and other dangerous items.

“Nearly a week later, the council still hasn’t cleared up the mess, and residents are left living next to burnt-out rubbish. “Right across our district people are also still being kept awake by fireworks going off in the middle of the night, long after the law says they should stop.

“The government now needs to push ahead with its plans to stop the noisiest, most disruptive fireworks being so readily available. Residents, pets and people with PTSD shouldn’t have to dread this time of year.”

In response, Councillor Ian Walker, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said: “Bonfire Night is one of the busiest times of the year for Council services.

“Our teams deal with a significant increase in incidents, often in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions, while still delivering their day jobs.

“We remove hazardous waste as quickly as possible, with work prioritised based on risk and safety.

“We want to thank staff who go above and beyond during this period to help keep residents safe. The best solution, however, is prevention. The safe and responsible disposal of unwanted items helps reduce fly-tipping, illegal burning and the risks these create for local communities.”