Vale of Glamorgan's £8,000 bill on Barry Guy Fawkes bonfires

The fires, which the council say were not properly organised or controlled, were lit at three sites in Barry fuelled by a range household waste and other unsuitable materials.

Sizeable scorch marks were left on the ground, along with partially burned rubbish in areas near Burns Crescent, Cadoc Crescent and Caldy Close.

The council had removed a large pile of firewood at the first of these locations, only for it to be replaced by a collection of other items.

The council say those responsible for the fires made no attempt to clear up after themselves or even bag the material so that it could be more easily collected.

Officers of the council will be liaising with South Wales Fire and Resue Services to review options for preventing such behaviour in future.   

These fires, which the council say were not properly organised or controlled, were lit at three sites (Image: Vale Council)

The council say those responsible for the fires made no attempt to clear up (Image: Vale Council)

The news comes, as the council, along with emergency services strongly advised Barry Pleasure Park Owner Henry Danetr not to put on a fire works display.

On their Facebook page, Barry Island Pleasure Park announced they wanted to put on a fire work display on October 28 for the people of Barry and reached out to any officials who could help supervise the event.

In the end, Mr Danter’s organisation decided not to hold the event.

Sizeable scorch marks were left on the ground (Image: Vale Council)

Areas affected included near Burns Crescent, Cadoc Crescent and Caldy Close (red boxes) (Image: Google Maps)

• Barry Pleasure Park fireworks display discouraged by council

On the unauthorised fireworks displays, Cllr Mark Wilson, Cabinet Member for neighbourhood and building services, said: “Unfortunately, the council regularly has to deal with the clear up caused by big, impromptu bonfires at this time of year, but last week was as bad as the teams involved can remember.

“Not only is lighting a large amount of varying material in an unmanaged fashion without proper planning dangerous, it is extremely bad for the environment. The smoke given off causes pollution, while the ground has suffered long-term, if not permanent, damage.

“Removing the mess also comes at a significant cost to the tax payer.

“At a time when council budgets are under more pressure than ever before, last week’s expense was extremely unwelcome.

“We are not trying to stop anyone enjoying fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night. There were plenty of carefully organised displays around the Vale where this could be done safely.

“But lighting fires like we saw recently is completely unacceptable and those responsible need to realise this.”