Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Bonfires in Gardens
What is ths score on people having bonfires in their backgardens in London and a densly populated urban enviroment like Harringay?
My parents have just been forced into the house having been in the garden because the old boy behind us on Warham Rd has just lit something up that is smoking us out. Thankfully we do not have our washing out (though we have had in the past, and the load that is now on will have to stay in the house). I am looking at it now and the smoke is literally billowing into our garden.
I thought this was a smokeless area- and ok no coal fires, but what about bonfires? Are there any regulations on this?
I suspect my mum's suggestion about using our hose to 'water the trees in the backyard' so as to put his fire out 'accidently' will not be constructive.
By the way, I have had some contact with him before and he is a bit of a grumpy old codger... Not likely to recieve a knock on his door with the requisit 'sure, I will put it out if it is bothering you'.
Thoughts?
My parents have just been forced into the house having been in the garden because the old boy behind us on Warham Rd has just lit something up that is smoking us out. Thankfully we do not have our washing out (though we have had in the past, and the load that is now on will have to stay in the house). I am looking at it now and the smoke is literally billowing into our garden.
I thought this was a smokeless area- and ok no coal fires, but what about bonfires? Are there any regulations on this?
I suspect my mum's suggestion about using our hose to 'water the trees in the backyard' so as to put his fire out 'accidently' will not be constructive.
By the way, I have had some contact with him before and he is a bit of a grumpy old codger... Not likely to recieve a knock on his door with the requisit 'sure, I will put it out if it is bothering you'.
Thoughts?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Old-Age-Emporium(OAE) on
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'old boy . . . . bit of a grumpy old codger...Not likely etc'
Justin, just try to see your back neighbour as a gentleman somewhat over 40, probably there some years before you and maybe a bit set in his ways. He may have been clearing up a bit of garden rubbish, decided against dumping it over his back fence, as some might do, purely out of consideration for his young(er) neighbours, then got caught out by the rather squally autumnal change of wind today.
No law against one or two bonfires a year - so long as nothing noxious is involved. Obviously a word to one's neighbour would be nice and, if possible, make sure you're not smoking them out with damp or wet garden stuff. Composting or the Haringey garden bag may well be the answer, if it's not diseased wood etc - but you know it isn't just 'old boys' or 'grumpy old codgers' who haven't learnt the new green code yet.
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If this is done once in a blue moon I see no problem in it as long as you pick your time to do it and communicate with those around you. I recycle everything I possibly can, but there are occasions where a quick bonfire is required - the ash goes on my roses. Living in a city is about give and take, you run into problems when people only take.
Most of urban areas would be covered by the original Clean Air Act 1956 and consolidated by the 1993 act http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1993/11/contents.
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Permalink Reply by GillianM on
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If you really do need to have a bonfire you can check with the council - they gave our neighbours the go ahead for a controlled blaze this year as they had loads to clear. BUT...... someone called the fire brigade! Two fire engines and many men wearing breathing equipment appeared at the door. Consider advising the emergency services before putting match to bonfire :-)
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Permalink Reply by Justin Guest on
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In consideration of said gentleman's advancing years, and taking into account OAE's comments, I might not be dialing 999 straight away, but the thought made me smile.
The main thing is he is a bit defensive and set in his ways, and not likely to be open to anyone suggesting his fires are not everyone's cup of tea. I suspect on past experience he will see a little more critisim than is implied.
Anyway, thanks guys.
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Justin, next Spring/Summer pick a day when the warm wind is wafting from the south-west and your neighbour's back windows are wide open, light up the biggest smokiest barbecue you can muster - you should get your own back.
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Permalink Reply by Rachella on
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I agree with you. I've got a neighbour who does this almost every evening in the summer. Even worse than the smell of burning flesh is the noxious smell of petroleum product she starts the fire with. If we don't close all the windows, the smell infests our whole house.
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Permalink Reply by Ruth on
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During the height of the heatwave in the summer, back neighbour was having a huge clearout that meant fires every day and night for days.... I dont have access to ground floor so couldnt pop to the fence and ask her to hold off. I had to keep my windows closed when the temps soared to 30 cent.... very annoyed but held off and finally they finished buring all the stuff. but I suffered as did other neighbours.
Now they have installed a security light so bright that I feel like I'm living in a concentration camp at night... Will have to go round there and have a word if I can work out which number they are at...
but back to the bonfire dilemma, I would wait a day or so and then mention it gently. If he's a grumpy old codger then he will welcome the chance to be so even more and who knows, he might like the social contact!
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