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The council, the police and the fire service have had to get involved over the sheer volume of a bonfire in a Valleys park. The huge mound of clutter which includes items of furniture and other paraphernalia is at Mount Pleasant Park in Porth and is a bone of contention in the area. While the November 5 bonfire has become popular over the years, others say it's getting out of hand, and it's led the local authority to warn those dumping on the bonfire against holding their own unofficial event. A Rhondda Cynon Taf Council spokesperson told WalesOnline: "We do not support unofficial bonfires. What might seem like fun can quickly turn into a seriously dangerous situation. "Over the years we have uncovered many dangerous items in unofficial bonfires, including tyres, mattresses and sofas, which produce toxic fumes, and even half-filled gas cannisters which pose a risk of explosion. "In relation to the bonfire at Mount Pleasant, Porth, we are working with partners in South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. "Every year the streetcare team help to prevent a high number of incidents as they come across some really hazardous waste, all dressed up as a bonfire." For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter It comes after some residents reported having had enough of the bonfire. One resident told us they had "serious concerns" over it. They said locals have reported the issue to Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council multiple times including to the waste management and enforcement teams but no action has been taken. They said the council has acknowledged that the land is frequently used for flytipping but have only committed to "monitor the situation" rather than removing the waste. They said: "This is deeply concerning as the dumped rubbish is now being used to build a large bonfire posing both safety and environmental risks. "Local residents have witnessed children building the bonfire with no adult supervision, alcohol being consumed on-site, streets blocked by crowds during previous events, glass, cans, and other litter left behind and damage to what is meant to be a protected green space." They added: "The lack of enforcement and clean-up raises serious questions about the council's event management procedures, especially given their own RCT event management proposal form, which outlines clear responsibilities for safety and waste control. Residents feel ignored and unsafe." A council representative warned that what appears harmless entertainment can rapidly escalate into an extremely perilous scenario. They explained how their teams regularly discover hazardous materials within these unauthorised pyres, from furniture releasing poisonous gases to partially-filled gas canisters threatening to explode. The authority emphasised that abandoning rubbish of any description in communal spaces constitutes flytipping, with offenders facing minimum penalties of £400 and potential criminal convictions. Officials confirmed they examine every flytipping complaint and will pursue enforcement action against perpetrators where appropriate.
