PEOPLE who are planning to build bonfires ahead of Guy Fawkes night have been urged to avoid toxic materials.

Environmental health officers from Hambleton and Richmondshire District Councils have issued warnings about burning plastic, rubber, including tyres, MDF and anything with a painted or coated surface, which all generate toxic pollutants that can be an irritant to people.

Maurice Cann, head of regullatory services at the councils, said: “Bonfires are notoriously uncontrolled – whether on bonfire night or the remainder of the year.

“Aerosols are particularly dangerous and can cause poisonous fumes to leak into the atmosphere. Every year on November 5th families use old bits of furniture to build up the bonfire and stuff the Guy with scraps of used foam or old clothing.

“No combustion is clean and we ask people not to burn old sofas and painted wood.”

The council has asked people who need to get rid of old furniture to call 0845-1211-555 to arrange for it to be taken away safely.