Published October 11, 2016 at 16:54
As the weather gets colder Residents in Rossendale are being reminded about the borough’s smoke control measures which have been in place since the 1970s to protect and maintain good air quality.
The recent rise in the use of smoky fuels such as wood burning stoves is believed to be as a result of higher gas and electricity prices.
Under the smoke control measures in Rossendale only solid smokeless fuels can be burned which have to pass tests to confirm that they are capable of burning in an open fireplace without producing smoke.
Emissions of smoke from domestic properties are banned and wood is not allowed to be burned on an open fireplace.
Wood can only be burned on exempt appliances (specified ovens, wood burners and stoves) which have passed tests to confirm that they are capable of burning a smoky solid fuel without emitting smoke.
Anyone who is considering switching to solid fuels can look at www.uksmokecontrolareas.co.uk for details of authorised fuels and exempt appliances or contact Rossendale Council’s Environmental Health team on 01706 252565 who will respond to complaints about smoky fuels being burned and investigate under the Clean Air Act
Senior Environmental Health Officer, Lorna Robinson said:
“The whole of Rossendale is a Smoke Control Area, (except a few outlining rural properties) and it has been for many years. Anyone who wants to burn solid fuel must ensure it is smokeless fuel and they can contact the Council for advice on the types of fuel and appliances that they can use legally.”
For advice on domestic energy efficiency advice please contact The Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234