HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to be good neighbours by not lighting fires in their gardens.

The appeal has been issued by council officials in Hartlepool who said there was a noticeable rise in complaints about bonfires at this time of the year.

They said fires could lead to a range of problems, and could have a particularly adverse impact on the health of people with conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.

Adrian Hurst, Hartlepool Borough Council's principal environmental health officer, said: "Garden fires and the smoke they produce can, at best, be a major nuisance and, at worst, pose a serious health risk. We would simply ask people not to light fires in any circumstances.

"However, past experience suggests that some people will still light fires despite our appeals and, therefore, we would ask them to consider the following advice."

* Only burn dry material and never leave a fire unattended;

* Never burn household rubbish or anything containing materials like plastic and foam;

* Never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light or boost a fire;

* Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions;

* Do not burn at weekends, bank holidays, or during the day when windows are open and washing outside.

Further advice is available from the council's environmental standards section on (01429) 523325.