BURNLEY bonfire makers are being told to register them first – or risk being fined for fly-tipping.

People have until 1pm on Wednesday, October 29, to let the council know when and where they are holding their public festivities to celebrate November 5.

Posters and leaflets will be on display around town to advise anyone thinking of holding a bonfire what steps they need to take to ensure their safety and those of visitors goes hand in hand with having fun.

Anyone who puts up a bonfire without registering it first will see the site cleared immediately and relevant actions taken as they could consider it fly-tipping Burnley Council is once again working in partnership with the police, fire service and Calico Housing to keep the run-up to November 5, injury-free.

When a bonfire has been registered, a council representative will then check and authorise the proposed site.

Lancashire’s chief fire officer Peter Holland said: “Too often in the past, the work load of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has soared as we have dealt with the consequences of anti-social behaviour involving fireworks and bonfires.

"Our concern is that any one of these incidents can result in traumatic consequences for the victims, so any measure to curb such behaviour is to be encouraged.”

Bonfires must be held between the evenings of Thursday, October 30 and Wednesday, November 5.

To register a bonfire, call 01282 477297 by 1pm on October 27.