Bonfires banned on public land in Shrewsbury

Any group or individual planning a bonfire on public land within the town is asked to contact Shrewsbury Town Council with their request, which will be considered on the grounds of health and safety and the risk of disruption to surrounding areas.

Any unauthorised bonfire built on town council land will be treated as fly-tipping, which is illegal and may result in prosecution.

Mark Harris, technical officer for Shrewsbury Town Council said: “We do encounter a small number of people who see the construction of these bonfires as a convenient opportunity to dump their waste.

"There is no excuse for dumping or burning any form of rubbish, which has implications for our environment, and can be dangerous to members of the public. It is also a blight on our landscape that costs the town council time and money to clean up.

"We’ll be working closely with our Team Shrewsbury partners to monitor any unauthorised bonfires. Many people do not realise that they are essentially fly-tipping, which is a criminal offence and may incur a fine, or even court action.

“We are not out to spoil anyone’s fun, but all we ask is that people act responsibly and, most importantly, do not put themselves, or others at risk.”

Anyone planning a bonfire within the town centre should contact Mr Harris on 01743 257658 or email mark.harris@shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk