Bradford Council has been criticised for failing to tackle illegal bonfires, with a councillor claiming piles of burnt rubbish remain uncleared nearly a week after Bonfire Night.
Cllr Matt Edwards, who represents Holme Wood and Bierley for the Green Party, said the council “didn’t get to grips” with illegal burning in parts of the district, despite describing this year’s Bonfire period as calmer than in previous years.
On Tuesday, Bradford Council issued a statement saying the work of the authority and its partners, including police and the fire service, had contributed to a “calmer” Bonfire period.
However, Cllr Edwards, who leads the Green Party group on Bradford Council, said the situation “hasn’t been as rosy as the council is suggesting.”
He claimed that in several areas, bonfires involved piles of fly-tipped rubbish being set alight, including potentially dangerous household items.
In Holme Wood, he said, the remains of these fires were still present nearly a week later.
Cllr Edwards 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.”
Council responds to concerns over bonfire waste
In response, Cllr Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said Bonfire Night was one of the busiest periods of the year for council services.
He said teams faced a significant increase in incidents, often working in difficult and potentially dangerous conditions while continuing their usual duties.
Cllr Walker 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.”
