Council takes apart bonfire at pub hours before it is lit

Acting with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue, Oxford City Council visited the Plough pub in Wolvercote this morning - just hours before its annual bonfire night display was due to start. 

It comes after previous years have seen unsuitable items burnt in the fire, which is put together by villagers and not the pub itself, potentially releasing hazardous gases into the environment. 

The bonfire has now been deemed safe after it was also checked for hedgehogs.

The Plough, Wolvercote. Picture: Google

Pub manager Katy Emptage said: "In the past some people have thrown things onto the fire that shouldn't be burnt.

"The fire brigade said this year we needed to get someone to check it. 

"They have gone through and taken out anything that could be unsafe. 

"We were told we weren't allowed any painted wood any more which we didn't know about."

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She added: "The bonfire is still as big as it always is and is piled as high as the bridge, ready for this evening.

"It's a bit of a sign of the times but you have to be careful and protect the environment as much as you can."

One Wolvercote resident, who asked not to be named, said she felt more warning should have been given.

She said: “If they’re going to be down there on the day of the bonfire disrupting what they've done, maybe they should have put something out beforehand.”

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The bonfire is a highlight of the pub's annual free display which is taking place for the 23rd time this year.

It also features an outside bar with 'gallons of mulled wine,' fireworks and food and drink. 

Every year donations are given to good causes with the Wolvercote Boys Club manning the collection points tonight. 

Up to 1,500 people are expected to attend.

Doors will open at 5pm with the bonfire lit at 6pm and fireworks starting at 7pm.