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Understanding Wirral Council’s New Smoke Control Order: What It Means for You and Your Chimney 🔥🪵🎩


Image of log burning stove set to backdrop of wirral

As a resident of the Wirral, you may have heard about the recent changes to the Smoke Control Orders implemented by the Wirral Council. These changes are moderately significant for some residents and aim to improve air quality across the borough. 


At Safe Sweep Chimney Sweep, we believe it’s essential to keep our community informed about these updates and how they might affect you.


What Are Smoke Control Orders?


Smoke Control Orders are regulations that restrict the emission of smoke from chimneys, furnaces, and fixed boilers within designated areas. These orders are part of the Clean Air Act 1993, designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health. 


In a smoke control area, it is illegal to emit smoke from a chimney unless you are using an authorised fuel or an exempt appliance.



What’s Changing?


Wirral Council has recently consolidated and updated its existing Smoke Control Orders. Here are the key changes:



Revocation of Previous Orders: All previous Smoke Control Orders have been revoked and replaced with a single, comprehensive order. This new order covers the entire Wirral Metropolitan Borough, ensuring uniformity and clarity.



• Expanded Coverage: The new order now includes areas that were previously not covered by the older orders. This expansion aims to address "air quality" issues more effectively across the borough.


The ares which were not previously covered are listed below : 


  • All of Raby Mere (west of Dibbinsdale Brook)

  • All of Thornton Hough

  • All roads south of Brimstage Road, Spital and west of Poulton Road, Poulton

  • Benty Heath Lane (to Wirral boundary)

  • Brimstage Lane

  • Brimstage Road (east of Heswall Hills Station and west of Clatterbridge roundabout)

  • Clatterbridge Road

  • Greenbank, Brimstage

  • Hargrave Lane

  • Keepers Lane

  • Landican Lane, Storeton

  • Lever Causeway

  • Little Storeton Lane

  • Manor Road, Thornton Hough

  • Marsh Lane

  • Mount Road, Clatterbridge

  • Neston Road

  • Parkgate Lane

  • Poulton Hall Road

  • Raby Hall Road

  • Raby Mere Road

  • Redhill Road

  • Resthill Road

  • Station Road, Storeton

  • Talbot Avenue, Brimstage

  • Thornton Common Road

  • Whitehouse Lane (east of railway track)

  • Willaston Road (to Wirral boundary)

  • Willow Lane

  • Willowbrow Road (to Wirral boundary)



Stricter Penalties: The penalties for non-compliance have been updated. If smoke is emitted from a chimney in a smoke control area, the occupier of the building or the person responsible for the fire, boiler or furnace could face a fine of up to £300 and up to a maximum of £1000 for repeat offenders.


However this will only be after due process has been followed, warnings issued etc efc... here at Safe-Sweep we really can't see many fines being issued without good cause.



• Public Awareness: The council is also focusing on increasing public awareness about the importance of using authorised fuels and exempt appliances. Retailers are also required to inform customers about the regulations when selling controlled solid fuels.




How Does This Affect You?


image of map of wirral

If you live in the Wirral, it’s crucial to understand how these changes might impact your daily life, especially if you use a fireplace, stove, or any solid fuel-burning appliance. Here are a few key points to consider:


• Check Your Fuel: Ensure that you are using authorised fuels. These are fuels that have been tested and approved for use in smoke control areas. Using unauthorised fuels can result in fines and contribute to air pollution.


A comprehensive lost of approved fuel is available here





Use Exempt Appliances: If you have a stove or fireplace, make sure it is an exempt appliance. These appliances are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and produce less smoke.


A list of exempt appliances can be found on the UK government website.





log burning stove


Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance of your chimney and appliances is more important than ever. A well-maintained chimney not only operates more efficiently but also reduces the risk of smoke emissions. At Safe Sweep Chimney Sweep, we offer comprehensive chimney cleaning and inspection services to help you stay compliant with the new regulations.



• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any further changes or updates from the Wirral Council. Public awareness campaigns and information sessions may be available to help you understand your responsibilities under the new Smoke Control Orders.



What Can I Burn In My Appliance?


seasoned wood

Open Fires 🔥


If you have an open fire you aren't permitted to burn wood on it, only smokeless coal (full list of acceptable/approved fuels is on DEFRA website) but in essence they mean smokeless coal 🔥👍


Woodburning Stove 🪵🔥


If you have a modern woodburning stove referred to as a DEFRA approved stove ( you can check on the DEFRA site to see if your stove meets that criteria) you can burn wood in it (provided its well seasoned, untreated and below 20% moisture content) feel free to review our blog on seasoning wood here.


Older Non Defra Exempt Stove/Appliance


If you have an older non DEFRA approved stove then you can only burn approved smokeless fuel in it, so its to be treated like an open fire 🔥 i.e approved smokeless coal only.


How Safe Sweep Chimney Sweep Can Help?



safe-Sweep-Chimney-Sweep logo

At Safe Sweep Chimney Sweep, we are committed to helping our community navigate these changes. Here’s how we can assist you:


• Chimney Inspections and Cleaning: Regular inspections and cleaning can prevent blockages and ensure your chimney is operating efficiently. Our team of NVQ qualified experts are trained to identify any issues that could lead to excessive smoke emissions.



Advice on Fuels and Appliances: We can provide guidance on the best fuels to use and help you determine if your appliance is compliant with the new regulations. If you need to upgrade your appliance, we can recommend efficient, exempt models.



• Compliance Checks: We offer compliance checks to ensure that your chimney and appliances meet the new Smoke Control Orders. This service can give you peace of mind and help you avoid potential fines and forms part of our standard sweep and check service.


Conclusion


The Wirral Council’s updated Smoke Control Orders are a positive step towards improving air quality and protecting public health. By understanding these changes and taking the necessary steps to comply, you can contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone across the "Paradise Peninsula" . At Safe Sweep Chimney Sweep, we are here to support you every step of the way. 


Together, we can make a difference in our community’s air quality and ensure a safer, healthier future for all.


Feel free to get in touch if you need any more information or assistance! www.safe-sweep.com 


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Together, we can make a difference in our community’s air quality and ensure a safer, healthier future for all.


Feel free to get in touch if you need any more information or assistance! www.safe-sweep.com 


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