Weymouth: Remains of bonfires and fireworks abandoned

The charred remains of two bonfires were left discarded on the pebbled shore of Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth.

Further along the beach, a number of sparklers had also been left in an empty alcohol bottle alongside plastic cups, wooden skewers and firework packaging.

There are a number of bins dotted around the area, including one on the roadside just past the green.

Dave Taylor of the Weymouth and Portland Marine Litter Project said: “It’s a disgrace. People should not be leaving rubbish behind.”

As reported by the Echo firefighters had to extinguish a bonfire at the same location in the run-up to November 5 after an amount of waste was set alight.

The fire was made up of a large amount of rubbish including packing peanuts, plastic balls, pieces of wood, metal, latex balloons and what appeared to be a sofa cushion.

Bonfire remains at Bowleaze Cove (Image: Hollie Carr)

He said in Wyke and around the Fleet where he usually litter picks, he ‘wouldn’t have really noticed that there were fireworks if it wasn’t for the noise,’ adding: "I think I found one single firework down the Fleet."

Dave Taylor (Image: Weymouth and Portland Marine Litter Project)

Dorset Council has confirmed that it has not received any complaints regarding bonfires at the location.

Bowleaze Cove is a privately owned beach so therefore does not fall under the jurisdiction of Dorset Council.

Firework remains at Bowleaze Cove (Image: Hollie Carr)

If you’re planning a bonfire in a public space, such as a beach or park, it’s likely there are restrictions in place and you should contact the local council, or the owner of the land, to find out if you are permitted to light one in the first place.

If you discover that you are legally allowed to light a bonfire in public, it’s also important to take the health and safety of both yourself and others into consideration.

Firework remains at Bowleaze Cove (Image: Hollie Carr)

Bonfires are only illegal if they cause a nuisance to others and the person responsible fails to comply with the requirements of any abatement notice served by the council. 

Bonfire remains at Bowleaze Cove 

If you see a bonfire which appears to be causing an issue, the council are encouraging people to report it here: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/bonfires