Burning on the allotments needs to be either banned completely or further restricted for the following reasons: the air pollution it creates, the close proximity of Prestbury St Mary's Infant and Junior Schools, it making the gardens of local residents unusable and there being much better ways of recycling the organic waste. Currently, burning of dry material that originates from the allotments is permitted at any time from November 1st until March 31st.

I have emailed the Parish Council's Allotment Committee twice about the above concerns. They responded to my first email saying that they would move the start date that burning was allowed from October to November, and they never responded to my second email. They have not responded to concerns about potential health risks, including to children.

Burning of wood releases PM 2.5 which is known to contribute to increased risks of cardiovascular disease - heart attacks and strokes.

https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/policy-and-publi...

https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/policy-and-publi...

Concerns have been raised, by myself and other local residents, with the Allotment Committee as there have been several occasions of burning wet material, burning material brought in from offsite and the constant nuisance the smoke from the bonfires causes. All these things are listed as being not allowed in the terms and conditions but nothing has ever been done as a result of raising them.

There have been times that there have been bonfires during school hours. This could mean children are exposed to the smoke if they are using the playground at breaktimes, lunchtimes or PE lesson. I do not believe it is acceptable that children should have to suffer this.

As a resident, because bonfires can happen at anytime of day, you are at the whim of an allotment user who may decide to start a bonfire, as to whether you are allowed to use your garden. Even having a window open can result in a smoked out room. On sunny or windy autumn, winter or spring days washing is more than dryable outside but this is often impossible due to it being nearly instantly dirtied once someone starts a bonfire. In a cost of living crisis and with the effects of climate change so apparent, reducing electricity usage is vitally important so taking opportunities to dry clothes outside is one such way to reduce electrical usage.

Even though I believe that there should be no burning on the allotments at all, I have suggested ideas that would make the situation much simpler. The Allotment Committee has not ever responded to any of these suggestions.

No burning during school hours (8:00 - 15:30). This would protect children and make sure local residents knew when fires could happen.

A particular day/time when burning is allowed. This would remove the lottery of when people actually burnt and at least people would know that bonfires could occur on a certain day.

A central location on the allotment for composting. This would benefit the allotment users as they'd be able to use the compost generated.