Environment Minister Edwin Poots needs to take action against those supplying and using tyres for bonfires, Alliance North Down MLA Andrew Muir has said.

The Alliance MLA has recently received photographs showing a significant number of tyres at the site of a large bonfire in Kilcooley estate, Bangor. He said setting them alight would have severe health and environmental consequences, and called on the DUP Minister to carry out deterrents to prevent it.

“It is concerning to see the tyres stacked in this bonfire and I urge the organisers to remove them,” said Mr Muir.

“Burning tyres releases more than 100 toxic and carcinogenic chemicals into the air and the fine particles can settle into people’s lungs, leading to heart problems and other issues. Local residents should not have to suffer this.

“The Environment Minister Edwin Poots needs to take action in tackling these environmental crimes. I have submitted a number of Assembly question to ascertain exactly what his Department is doing and will continue to push for more to be done.

“In the meantime, robust action could be taken against those supplying and using the tyres for putting people’s health and the environment at risk. That deterrent from the Minister may stop similar behaviour from happening in future.”