Families using log burners risk hefty fines under new rules - despite saving money on energy costs
Share:
Brits are being warned that you could face large fines for illegal use of wood-burning stoves which have become increasingly popular. It is believed that about 10% of homes in the UK are now burning wood on open fires and smoke pollution is linked to cancer and respiratory diseases.
People in smoke control areas can be fined up to £1,000 for using illegal fuel and up to £300 for smoking chimneys but while councils have received more than 5,600 complaints only four areas: Bolsover, Bristol, Horsham and Wakefield have imposed the penalties. It comes despite some families who use log burners saving as much as £2,000 on energy costs.
Freedom of information requests sent by group Mums for Lungs also revealed no prosecutions. The group said: "The Government needs to ensure councils protect children from toxic pollution, not just ask them to discuss the risks.". Meanwhile, UK families who possess log burners have been saving £2,000 thanks to the money-saving method. Mother-of-two Bryony Lewis installed her log burner just last autumn and is already boasting savings of a whopping £2,000 on her bills. The 40 year old from Fareham juggles her e-commerce business T and Belle with family life in their busy five-bedroom home alongside hubby Dan and kids, Theo, eight, and Izzy, six.
Bryony said: "The cost of living continues to go up and gas and electricity bills are making an increasingly big dent in our finances. We are very happy we made the decision to find a cheaper alternative to central heating." She splashed out £800 on her ACR Woodpecker WP5 Plus and £1,000 for installation.
