Why is it that the start of the good weather, particularly Bank Holiday good weather, brings out the very worst in certain people with inconsiderate and antisocial behaviour?

Unbelievably, on Good Friday, a beautiful sunny day, someone nearby lit a bonfire at about midday. Practically the whole neighbourhood had windows open and at least two had washing on the line.

When I confronted the person responsible, to his credit, he did agree to stop any further burning but by then the damage had been done. How can people be so thoughtless?

Bonfires are, without doubt, the scourge of summer and can so easily ruin one’s enjoyment of a relaxing day in the garden, blacken your washing and fill your house with acrid fumes and smoke.

Lighting one in built-up areas in good weather is not only inconsiderate but can easily lead to friction between neighbours.

The Household Waste Recycling Site (tip) in Wilson Avenue is only five minutes away from here.

It would take no more than half an hour for the round trip to dispose of your waste, whereas tending a bonfire can take hours. It’s a no-brainer.

Since this problem tends to crop up every year and being unsure of my facts when approaching people, I took advice from the local environmental health department.

Apparently there are no hard and fast rules regarding bonfires but, if you must have one, you should do so with the utmost consideration for your neighbours.

Firstly, you should advise close neighbours in advance so they have time to close their windows.

Secondly, never light one during the bulk of the day, particularly in good weather. Leave it until the evening when people are more likely to be indoors with windows shut.

Thirdly, do not burn commercial waste at home. Under the “duty of care” provision it is illegal and must be taken to a commercial tip.

In addition, black smoke is not allowed, ie, from oil products or tyres.

Do not routinely burn waste at home or you may receive a visit from environmental health for causing a nuisance.

Check out your nearest household waste site as it could be quicker and less trouble to take your waste there than burn it.

Please, bonfire lovers, have a little consideration for the environment and your neighbours.

John Morris, Seaview Road, Woodingdean