Residents in South Ribble are given a tipping and waste burning warning

The call has come from South Ribble where the council has received an increase in complaints.

It said both activities cause detrimental effects to the environment and can put undue strain on already busy essential workers.

Waste burning releases harmful particles which can cause serious breathing problems to vulnerable people, such as those who are asthmatic and place further pressure on the already stretched resources of the NHS. Smoke from bonfires may result in a nuisance to neighbours.

The council’s waste teams are currently seeing a 50 per cent increase in fly-tipping - around 25-30 occurrences per week.

Councillor Susan Jones, cabinet member for environment said: “In any situation fly tipping is unacceptable and even more so during the covid-19 efforts. Our waste teams are working around the clock doing all they can to ensure the borough’s bin collections continue to take place, and this is something they do not need right now.

“We understand the situation is not easy and with the decision to close the public tips, it is likely people will be having waste piling up between bin collections. All the council’s bin services are running normally, including our garden waste collection scheme. It’s not ideal, but please store your waste safely until it is able to be collected by us. Do not burn your waste or fly-tip. We all have to make sacrifices.”

Smoke nuisance could lead to a fine of up to £100 and the penalty for fly-tipping can be up to £400 per offence. If taken to court there could be up to a £50,000 fine and or 12 months in prison.

Group manager Tom Cookson, community protection manager for southern area at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Please don’t be tempted to burn household rubbish or garden waste – fires can easily get out of control and spread to buildings, causing damage and potentially injury, and tie up firefighters who might be needed elsewhere.”

He added: “Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, like all public services, is working hard to ensure we’re able to support the people of Lancashire, respond to emergencies and keep communities safe during the coronavirus outbreak.”