Your money could just go up in smoke

HOMEOWNERS are being warned that a recent trend towards burning wood and coal to heat their houses could carry a hefty fine.

The council said that while the number of complaints had fallen, the city remained a smoke control area, prohibiting wood and coal from being burned in an open fire.

The council said there had been a "substantial increase" in the number of people wanting fireplaces reopened, with manufacturers of wood-burning stoves struggling to meet demand in the city.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, the city's environment leader, said: "Although we have seen a decrease in the amount of calls about smoking chimneys, it is important to remind people about the fuels they cannot burn to heat their homes.

"If necessary, we will take enforcement action against those who flout the law."

In 2009, there were 156 complaints made to the council about smoking chimneys, but this figure has decreased by 54 per cent to 74 for 2010. However, the council said most complaints tended to come in the winter, so this year's figures may still rise.