Environment Agency urges public to avoid burning a hole in their pockets this Bonfire Night

WITH Bonfire Night fast approaching, the Environment Agency is urging those planning to celebrate to go to an organised event or risk a hefty fine.

As well as the safety risks caused by bonfires, they have an impact on the climate and, if the wrong materials are burned, can harm wildlife, the environment and human health.

The only materials that should be used in bonfires are dry, untreated and unpainted wood, along with small amounts of paper or cardboard. Using wet wood creates smoke which can spread and cause a nuisance to neighbours, and bonfires can quickly get out of control if not properly managed.

Those still planning to have a bonfire at home are advised:-

• Not to use it to dispose of household waste such as:- plastic, rubber, glass, oils or metal. These materials could cause a pollution risk to water, human health, air, soil, plants, animals or the countryside and should be disposed of through recycling or household waste collections, or at Council recycling centres.
  

• Always check for hedgehogs and other wildlife which may have crawled inside before setting light to a bonfire.
  

• Don't allow anyone else to add materials to your bonfire, other than clean, dry, untreated wood.
  

• It's not just householders that may use Bonfire Night as a way of getting rid of rubbish, businesses may use it to burn waste too, but the Environment Agency also urges them to be aware of what they are burning.
  

• As well as the harm and nuisance burning the wrong kind of waste can cause, burning of most types of waste is illegal and can carry a fine of up to £50,000.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:- "We want people to have fun on Bonfire Night; but to do so safely and in a way that won't create a risk to the environment, wildlife and to you and your neighbours. The best way of doing that, is to stop burning waste altogether and go to a properly organised community event, where organisers, hopefully, should have followed our guidelines and won't be causing a hazard. Whether you are a business owner or householder, if paying someone to take waste away, always check they are licensed waste carriers, who will dispose of waste correctly. Unfortunately, criminals working in illegal waste operations may also use the celebration to dispose of hazardous and inappropriate waste.”

If you see a bonfire being built, which you think may contain hazardous materials, you can contact the Environment Agency on our 24 hour helpline at 0800 807060 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on:- 0800555111. You can check if a waste carrier is licensed here:- Environment.Data.Gov.UK.

Wayfarers Arcade in Southport to host 70th Anniversary Under Milk Wood classic by Dylan Thomas

THEATRE lovers can enjoy a performance of Dylan Thomas' iconic work Under Milk Wood in a special night at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport Town Centre.

Gambolling Arena Theatre Company, directed by Suzy Walker, will show off their acting skills for:- '1 night and 1 night only' to mark 70 years since the famous radio drama.

The performance will take place at the arcade, on:- Lord Street, on:- Saturday, 9 November 2024, with tickets available online now.

The show will be performed by a mixture of professional actors and local drama students from Greenbank High School and Stanley High School, who have been rehearsing since July.

The 10 talented people will portray a total of 65 characters, all different in their personalities.

Suzy Walker said:- "It has been a beautiful experience as a director to introduce young and old people to:- 'Under Milk Wood' and Dylan Thomas. The play is both funny yet sad and brings to life all of the characters; from an undertaker to gossips and a young girl. You will be part of their plans, their dreams, their gossip and much more.”

Dylan Thomas':- 'Under Milk Wood' was written in 1954 as a radio drama, and was then adapted by the BBC for stage.

It invites the audience to live a day in the company of the Townspeople of Llareggub in Wales.

The performance, which will take place after hours, will be filmed and streamed for all to see.

Suzy said:- "This is actually the second time I've worked on it. I studied it as a drama student in the seventies then produced it in 2010, and now I am back doing it again in 2024. It is a beautiful piece and beautifully written. We can't wait to perform it in the beautiful Wayfarers Arcade. We are partnering with Southport Learning Trust, the Spectrum Alliance Movement and I'd like to say a big thank you to the Engine Room for staging it.”

During the day, all the shops and cafes inside Wayfarers Shopping Arcade will be open as usual.

Then, from:- 7pm, audiences can listen to Sefton Schools Choir as they sing Welsh-themed songs and watch as 12 actors perform a:- 'magnificent piece of theatre as it is filmed'.

Tickets for the:- 'unforgettable experience not to be missed' cost £11.55 and can be booked via:- Eventbrite.