Reading Smoke Control Areas
November 2014
Main Report
Prepared by the Market Research Group at Bournemouth University
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Contents Summary findings ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3
Introduction ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
The Market Research Group ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
Methodology ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5
About you / respondent profile ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6
Main findings ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
Other comments ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16
Conclusion �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17
2
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Summary findings
760 responses were received from the resident survey. 735 were paper responses and 25 completed online
surveys were received.
Respondent profile
There was an even split in respondents in terms of whether they were male or female. 11% of respondents
were aged 16 – 34, while 38% were aged 35 – 54 and 39% were aged 55 – 74.
More than half the respondents indicated that they own their property outright with more than one-third
buying on a mortgage. One out of every ten respondents indicated that they rent their property from a private
landlord.
More than one-third of respondents live with one other adult only, while one-quarter live by themselves. Just
less than one-quarter live with one other adult and child(ren). More than one-quarter of all respondents live in a
household with child(ren).
Solid fuels
One-third of respondents either currently use solid fuels or have done in the past. Three-fifths stated that they
don’t currently use solid fuels and that they do not plan to in the future.
More than two-thirds of respondents who currently use solid fuels or have done in the past use an open fire to
burn their solid fuels, while one-quarter use a stove.
More than half the respondents who currently use solid fuels indicated that their appliance was already
installed in their property, while more than one-quarter indicated that it was installed by a specialist trader.
More than two-thirds use logs, while more than half use wood they have collected or scavenged themselves.
More than two-fifths use smokeless coal while one-quarter use coal.
Of those who use scavenged wood, more than four-fifths obtain it from their own garden, while one-quarter
obtain it in the form of planks, pallets etc from skips.
The majority of those who currently use solid fuels or have done in the past use them as a source of
supplementary heating rather than as their main form of heating.
88% of those who use solid fuels or have done in the past use it at least once a week during January to March.
Half the respondents use it 1 – 2 times, while one-fifth use it at least 5 times a week.
No respondents use solid fuels more than 4 times a week during April – June. One-fifth use them at least once a
week during this period.
The vast majority of respondents who use solid fuels or have done in the past never use them during July to
3
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
September. 5% of respondents use them 1 – 2 times a week during these months.
More than four-fifths of those who use solid fuels or have done in the past use them at least once a week
during October to December. One-third of respondents use them at least three times a week during this
period.
More than half the respondents who use solid fuels or have done in the past store them outdoors under
cover, while more than two-fifths store them in a shed, cellar or other covered area. One-fifth store them
inside their home.
Smoke Control Areas
More than two-thirds of respondents do not know if they live in a smoke control area.
One-third of respondents indicated that they don’t know what a smoke control area is. More than half
indicated that they think they are areas where you can only use approved smokeless fuels, while one-fifth
think they mean that you can’t burn any smoky fuel.
More than one-quarter of respondents don’t know where they would look to find out if they are in a smoke
control area. More than half would look on the Reading Borough Council website while one-fifth would look
to the Environment Agency to find out or would use a search engine.
Two-thirds of respondents were unsure and would need more information before deciding if there should be
more smoke control areas in the Borough. More than one-quarter felt that the number of smoke control areas
in the Borough should be increased.
One-quarter of respondents indicated that they have or someone they know has experienced issues as a
result of air pollution. Of these, three-quarters suggested that they have experienced breathing difficulties
while half have experienced unpleasant smells. Two-fifths have been required to do extra cleaning/
washing.
The majority of respondents think that the main cause of air pollution is traffic pollution. More than one-
quarter feel that industrial emissions/smoke is a main cause of air pollution with a further one-quarter
feeling that smoking is a main cause of air pollution.
4
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Introduction
Reading Borough Council commissioned The Market Research Group (MRG) at Bournemouth University
to undertake a survey of residents in the Reading area. The project is funded by an Air Quality Grant from
DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
Wood burning stoves have increased in popularity with the price of gas, oil and electricity being uncertain.
However many people may not be aware that burning some solid fuels can have a negative impact on air
quality. Smoke Control Areas (SCAs) were introduced in residential areas where domestic fires and smog
was a problem. Currently there are 21 SCAs, covering 62% of Reading. The Borough Council has been
monitoring air quality for over 10 years and is conducting a variety of projects to improve air quality.
The aim of the research is to help with the creation of a targeted awareness raising campaign. Key areas
that the survey asked residents about are:
• Use of solid fuels and appliances
• Storage of solid fuel
• Awareness of Smoke Control Areas
• Effect of air pollution on household
• Resident profile
The Market Research Group
The Market Research Group (MRG) is an independent market research agency based within Bournemouth
University. We are a full service agency, with our trained staff giving us the ability to conduct quantitative,
qualitative and desk research projects. We specialise in providing market and social research and
intelligence services to Local Authorities, public sector, tourism and heritage organisations, as well as
within the academic sector, tailored to suit the needs of individual organisations.
We work in partnership with our clients and focus on adding value at every stage of the research process
together with a cost effective and flexible service. MRG have been working with Local Authorities for more
than ten years.
5
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Methodology
This report analyses and explores the results of the residents survey conducted for Reading Borough
Council. The target population for the survey was a random selection of local residents within Reading.
Randomised Self-completion survey with postal return
4,000 paper copies of the survey along with pre-paid return envelopes were distributed at random to
local residents across each ward in Reading. Reading Borough Council provided MRG with a list of postal
addresses to select the random sample from. The sample was stratified to ward level. The fieldwork period
was open for 12 weeks and a full reminder was sent to those who had not returned a copy of the survey
within the first 6 weeks. The paper survey also included a link to an online version of the survey should
residents wish to complete an electronic version of the survey. The fieldwork period was open from 28 July
2014 and closed on 17 October 2014.
Data analysis
All completed surveys were returned to MRG where they were logged, processed and scanned. This
ensured that responses remained entirely confidential and that no individual could be identified via the
analysis.
Paper copies were scanned and entered in to SNAP software and responses from both the paper and online
completion approaches were merged. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software.
Sample size and statistical validity
A total of 760 responses were received from the survey.
A sample of 760 implies that the results are representative of Reading residents to within ± 3.55% at the
95% confidence level (i.e. there is only 1 chance in 20 of the margin of error contained within the results
being greater than 3.55%).
Sample size and subset size - The total base sample for each question can be found to the bottom left of
each graph (labelled BASE:). When questions have been analysed by demographic information or key driver
questions the subset sample size will be found in brackets next to individual labels within the graph/table.
When sample size is relatively low it will be marked with an asterisk (*); data in this form should be treated
as indicative only.
6
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
About you / respondent profile
A number of questions were asked of respondents in order to determine the profile of residents.
Ward area
The table below highlights how the original
sample of 4,000 surveys were distributed
amongst the ward areas, the distribution of Distribution and returns
surveys returned and the response rate from
each ward. The highest response rates were
from Thames and Mapledurham, while the
lowest response rate was from Abbey.
There was an even split of responses from
those who live in an SCA (48.5%) and those
who don’t (51.5%).
Age and gender
There was an even split in respondents in
terms of whether they were male or female.
11% of respondents were aged 16 – 34,
while 38% were aged 35 – 54 and 39% were
aged 55 – 74.
Surveys sent out
Surveys returned
Response rate
Abbey 210 22 10.5% Battle 216 28 13.0% Caversham 398 85 21.4% Church 170 31 18.2% Katesgrove 203 24 11.8% Kentwood 299 51 17.1% Mapledurham 145 46 31.7% Minster 287 34 11.8% Norcot 377 65 17.2% Park 170 20 11.8% Peppard 310 75 24.2% Redlands 168 31 18.5% Southcote 230 45 19.6% Thames 294 94 32.0% Tilehurst 309 74 23.9% Whitley 214 28 13.1% Total 4000 760 19.0%
Type of housing
More than half the respondents indicated that they own their property outright with more than one-third
buying on a mortgage. One out of every ten respondents indicated that they rent their property from a
private landlord.
Number of people living at home
More than one-third of respondents live with one other adult only, while one-quarter live by themselves.
Just less than one-quarter live with one other adult and child(ren). More than one-quarter of all respondents
live in a household with child(ren).
7
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Main findings
Solid fuels
Use of solid fuels
One-third of respondents either currently use solid fuels
or have done in the past. Three-fifths stated that they
don’t currently use solid fuels and that they do not plan
to in the future.
Use solid fuels Yes
No but I have in the past
No, but I plan to in the future
No and do not plan to in the future 60%
10%
7%
23%
Base: 743
More likely to use solid fuels
55-7435-54
£
25%27%
Own outright
26%24%
Buying on
mortgage
Base: Varied
Respondents aged 35 – 74 are significantly more
likely than those aged younger than 35 or older
than 75 to currently use solid fuels. Respondents
who rent from a private landlord are significantly
less likely to currently use solid fuels than those
who own their property outright or are buying on
mortgage.
Half the respondents who live in Thames currently
or have previously used solid fuels, while more than
two-fifths of those who live in Kentwood, Redlands
and Mapledurham do. Ward areas with the lowest
percentage of respondents who currently use or
have previously used solid fuels were Park, Minster
and Battle.
Use of solid fuels by wards
Just less than one-third of respondents who do
not live in an SCA currently use solid fuels (30%),
compared to just 15% of respondents who do live in
an SCA.
Appliances that burn solid fuel
Appliances
Other
Stove26%
11%
Open fire
69%
Electric1%
Barbeque
Chiminea1%
1%
Boiler
Wood burner4%
4%
Base: 247
More than
two-thirds of
respondents who
currently use solid
fuels or have done
in the past use
an open fire to burn their solid fuels, while one-quarter use a stove. More
than one out of every ten use another appliance. These include a wood
burner, boiler, chiminea, barbeque and electric appliance.
Thames (92)
Mapledurham (44)
Redlands (31)
Kentwood (51)
Peppard (74)
Caversham (82)
Tilehurst (74)
Norcot (61)
Church (31)
Whitley (27)
Abbey (21)
Southcote (45)
Katesgrove (24)
Battle (26)
Minster (33)
Park (20)
46%
50%
45%
41%
39%
35%
30%
28%
23%
22%
19%
18%
17%
15%
15%
15%
Base: Varied as labelled
8
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Installation of appliance
More than half the respondents who currently use solid fuels
indicated that their appliance was already installed in their
property, while more than one-quarter indicated that it was
installed by a specialist trader.
Types of solid fuels used
More than two-thirds use logs, while more than half use wood they
have collected or scavenged themselves. More than two-fifths use
smokeless coal while one-quarter use coal.
Type of fuel used Wood I have collected myself
Wood chip
Wood pellets
Logs
Smokeless coal
Biomass briquettes
Coal
57%
3%
3%
9%
70%
burn logs in their appliances
70% 45%
25%
Base: 214
The majority of those who currently use solid fuels
or have done in the past use them as a source of
supplementary heating rather than as their main
form of heating.
Installed appliances
Specialist trader
Builder
DIY
Already installed
Other
Base: 237
56%
6%
7%
27%
3%
Of those who use scavenged wood,
more than four-fifths obtain it from
their own garden, while one-quarter
obtain it in the form of planks,
pallets etc from skips. However,
there were only 24 responses to this
question and as such these findings
should be treated as indicative only.
Use of solid fuels
Scavenged wood
From own garden
Local Woodlands
Planks, pallets etc., from skips
Contacts in building/ horticultural industries
Other
83%
13%
13%
25%
13%
Base: 24
9
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Frequency of use of solid fuels for heating
January - March
Of those who use solid fuels or have done in the past, 88% use it at least once a week during January to
March. Half the respondents use it 1 – 2 times, while one-fifth use it at least 5 times a week.
April - June
One-fifth of those who use solid fuels or have done in the past use them at least once a week during April to
June. No respondents use them more than 4 times a week during this period.
July - September
The vast majority of respondents who use solid fuels or have done in the past never use them during July to
September. 5% of respondents use them 1 – 2 times a week during these months.
October - December
Similarly to January to March usage, more than four-fifths of those who use solid fuels or have done in the
past use them at least once a week during October to December. One-third of respondents use them at least
three times a week during this period.
How often solid fuel is used
Never 1 - 2 times a week 3 - 4 times a week 5 - 6 times a week Everyday
12% 51% 17% 10% 10%January - March (197)
80% 16% 4%April - June (158)
96% 5%July - September (156)
17% 51% 16% 9%9% 8%October - December (191)
Base: Varied as labelled
Storage of solid fuel
Storage of solid fuel More than half the respondents who use solid fuels or 4% have done in the past store them outdoors under cover, other while more than two-fifths store them in a shed, cellar 21% or other covered area. One-fifth store them inside their store fuel
at home home. 52%
outdoors 11%Under outdoorsa cover 43% without
in a shed cover cellar
or other covered area
10
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Smoke Control Areas
SCA by wards
45%
46%
42%
33%
33%
32%
32%
31%
30%
28%
27%
27%
27%
25%
25%
11%
Tilehurst (72)
Southcote (42)
Katesgrove (24)
Norcot (63)
Caversham (82)
Kentwood (50)
Thames (91)
Redlands (29)
Minster (30)
Mapledurham (43)
Abbey (22)
Battle (26)
Peppard (71)
Park (20)
Church (28)
Whitley (28)
Base: Varied as labelled
Knowledge of living in a Smoke Control Area
More than two-thirds of respondents do not know if
they live in an SCA. Respondents who do not live in an
SCA are significantly less likely to know if they do or
not.
Whitley residents were least likely to know if they live
in an SCA, while more than two-fifths of respondents
who live in Katesgrove, Southcote and Tilehurst knew
whether they live in an SCA. Knowledge of living in
an SCA ranged between 25 – 33% of respondents who
live in other ward areas.
Male respondents were significantly more likely to
know if they live in an SCA, while older respondents
are more likely to know if they do or not. Respondents
who rent from a private landlord are significantly less
likely than those who own their property outright or
are buying on a mortgage whether they live in an SCA.
SCA by demographics
75+55-7435-54<35
37% 47%27%19%
Age
£Own
outright
14%
Rent from private landlord
28%39%
Buying on
mortgage
Household
Male Female
37% 28%
Gender
Base: Varied
11
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
What is a Smoke Control Area?
Smoke Control Areas understanding All
respondents
were asked
to indicate
what their
understanding
of what
an SCA is.
One-third of
respondents
indicated that
they don’t
know what
an SCA is.
More than
half indicated
that they
think they are
They mean you can’t burn any smokey fuel
They are old laws that do not apply anymore
Don't know
They are areas where you can only use exempt appliances to burn fuels
They are areas where you can only use approved smokeless fuels 52%
1%
12%
20%
33%
Base: 744
areas where you can only use approved
smokeless fuels, while one-fifth think they
mean that you can’t burn any smoky fuel.
Respondents who live in Whitley and
Redlands were most likely to not know
what an SCA is, while those who live in
Katesgrove were least likely to not know
what they were.
SCA knowledge by ward
46%
50%
45%
41%
39%
35%
30%
28%
23%
22%
19%
18%
17%
15%
15%
15%
Whitley (28)
Redlands (31)
Kentwood (51)
Church (30)
Battle (27)
Mapledurham (44)
Tilehurst (70)
Norcot (62)
Caversham (82)
Park (20)
Peppard (74)
Abbey (22)
Thames (93)
Minster (34)
Southcote (44)
Katesgrove (24)
Base: Varied as labelled
12
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Female respondents were significantly more likely to indicate that they don’t know what an SCA is, as
are respondents aged younger than 35 and those who rent from a private landlord. Respondents aged
younger than 35 are significantly less likely to indicate that they think SCAs are areas where you can only
use approved smokeless fuels. Significantly more respondents aged older than 75 than any other age group
think they mean you can’t burn any smoky fuel.
Knowledge of SCA by demographics Male Female <35 35 - 54 55 - 74 75+ Own
outright Buying on mortgage
Rent from landlord
Yes* No**
They mean you can’t burn any smokey fuel 22% 18% 17% 14% 19% 42% 26% 15% 13% 28% 16%
They are old laws that do not apply anymore 1% 1% 1% 0% 1% 4% 2% 0% 1% 1% 1%
Areas where you can only use exempt appliances to burn fuels 15% 9% 10% 14% 12% 10% 11% 13% 15% 20% 9%
Areas where you can only use approved smokeless fuels 56% 49% 32% 49% 64% 47% 58% 50% 37% 77% 41%
Don't know 28% 38% 56% 39% 25% 23% 25% 38% 48% 6% 46%
* Respondent knows if they live in a SCA ** Respondent does not know if they live in a SCA Base: Varied
Respondents who rent from a private landlord are significantly less likely to think that they are areas
where you can only use approved smokeless fuels, while respondents who own their property outright are
significantly more likely to think they mean you can’t burn any smoky fuel.
Respondents who do not know if they live in an SCA are also significantly more likely to indicate that they
don’t know what one is.
There were no significant differences in terms of knowledge of what an SCA is between those who live in
one and those who do not.
13
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
22%
Information on Smoke Control Areas
More than one-quarter of respondents don’t know where they would look to find out if they are in an SCA.
More than half would look on the Reading Borough Council website while one-fifth would look to the
Environment Agency to find out or would use a search engine.
Significantly
more
respondents
who indicated
that they know
if they live in an
SCA than those
who don’t know
would look on
the Reading
Borough Council
website to
find out if they
are in an SCA.
Respondents
who don't know
Find out if living in a SCA
Environment Agency
Search engine
Reading Borough Council Website
Other
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
Don't know
21%
19%
4%
56%
get information from the
Reading Council website
56% 4%
29%
Base: 742
if they live in an
SCA are also significantly more likely to not know where to look to find out if they are in one.
Find out if living in SCA There were no
significant differences
between gender, age
groups or type of
accommodation in terms
of where respondents
would look to find out if
they are in an SCA.
Reading Borough Council Website
Search engine
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
Environment Agency 20%
14% 21%
11%
2%
47% 74%
yes* (226) no** (493)
8%
37%
3%
5%
Other
Don't know
** Respondent does not know if they live in a SCA Base: Varied as labelled
* Respondent knows if they live in a SCA
14
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
The number of Smoke Control Areas
Number of SCAs Not sureDecreasedIncreased
7%27% 66%
? Base: 734
Effect of air pollution on household
One-quarter of respondents
indicated that they have
or someone they know has
experienced issues as a result
of air pollution. Of these, three-
quarters suggested that they
have experienced breathing
difficulties while half have
experienced unpleasant
smells. Two-fifths have been
required to do extra cleaning/
washing. Other health issues
include asthma, cough/chest
infections, skin conditions,
sore eyes and COPD.
Two-thirds of respondents were unsure and would need more
information before deciding if there should be more SCAs in
the Borough. More than one-quarter felt that the number of
SCAs in the Borough should be increased.
Significantly more respondents who do not know if they live
in an SCA are unsure if there should be more or less of them
within the Borough.
Issues because of pollution
If yes please say how...
Have you or people you know ever experienced issues as a result of air pollution?
Don’t know
15%
No
59%
Yes
26%
Unpleasant smells
OtherStressBreathing dificulties
Extra cleaning
Other non health issue
74%
6%
38% 51%
16%16%
Base: 740
Base: 190
15
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Causes of pollution
9% Other
9% Domestic Chimney Smoke
24% Smoking
28% Industrial emissions/smoke
Traffic Pollution91%
Base: 714
Cause of air pollution
The majority of respondents think that the main
cause of air pollution is traffic pollution. More than
one-quarter feel that industrial emissions/smoke is a
main cause of air pollution with a further one-quarter
feeling that smoking is a main cause of air pollution.
Significantly more respondents aged younger than
35 feel that smoking is a main cause of air pollution, while significantly fewer respondents aged older than
75 feel that industrial emissions/smoke is a main cause.
Causes of pollution by age 75+55-7435-54<35
94%88%93%
9%
6%
15%
9%
9%
24%
9%
9%
35%
9%
4%
28%
91%
21%23%24%31%
Traffic Pollution
Other
Domestic Chimney Smoke
Smoking
Industrial emissions/smoke
Base: Varied
16
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Other comments
When asked to offer any other comments/ suggestions, respondents gave a variety of answers relating to
the issues included in the survey.
After categorising these open comments main themes that could be identified were:
• No issues with air quality (11 comments)
• Traffic issues (40 comments)
• Awareness (21 comments)
• Health issues (5 comments)
• Bonfires (22 comments)
• Systems used (16 comments)
• Enforcement (2 comments)
• Smoke from cigarrettes (3 comments)
• Issues with systems and their use by others (12 comments)
• Population growth (2 comments)
• Other (12 comments)
• Survey comments (14 comments)
17
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Conclusion
This study allowed Reading Borough Council to investigate the use of solid fuels within the borough, as
well as asking for the views of residents regarding their understanding of smoke control areas.
Results suggest that while one-third of residents either currently use or have used solid fuels in the
past. However, three-fifths of residents have never used solid fuels and do not plan to do so in the future.
Residents aged 35 – 74 are more likely to be currently using solid fuels than those aged younger than 35 or
older than 75.
An open fire is the most common type of solid fuel appliance, followed by a stove. More than half the
respondents to the survey indicated that their solid fuel appliance was already installed in their property
when they moved in, while one-quarter had it installed by a specialist trader.
Respondents are most likely to use logs and wood that has been collected by themselves on their solid fuel
appliances. The majority collect this wood from their own garden, while one-quarter obtain it from planks
and pallets in skips. Furthermore, nearly half of the respondents use smokeless coal, significantly more than
use regular coal. More than half of solid fuel users in Reading store them outdoors under a cover, two-fifths
store them in a shed, cellar or other covered area. One-fifth store them indoors.
The vast majority of respondents who use solid fuels used them at least once a week during January to
March, with one-fifth using them at least five times a week during this period. Similarly, more than four-
fifths use solid fuels at least once a week during October to December, with one-third using them at least
three times a week. While no solid fuel users make use of them more than four times a week during April to
June, one-fifth use them 1-4 times a week.
More than two-thirds of respondents do not know if they live in a smoke control area. In addition to this,
when asked what their understanding of them was, one-third of respondents did not know what they are.
Half the respondents thought they are areas where you can only use approved smokeless fuels. Due to
these findings, it is important to publicise to households whether they live in a smoke control area or not
and what the requirements are within them. This is reinforced by the fact that two-thirds of respondents do
not know if the number of smoke control areas within Reading should be increased or decreased and that
they would need more information before deciding.
One-quarter of respondents indicated that they or someone they know has experienced issues caused by
air pollution. Of these, three-quarters indicated they experienced breathing difficulties. Furthermore, half of
those who have experienced issues as a result of air pollution indicated that they experienced unpleasant
smells, while just less than two-fifths have had to do additional cleaning as a result. Due to this, it may be
worth promoting the causes of air pollution and the approaches to adopt to minimise these.
18
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
APPENDIX 1- TOPLINE RESULTS
19
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Do you currently use solid fuels? f %
Yes 167 23%
No but I have in the past 73 10%
No, but I plan to in the future 54 7%
No and do not plan to in the future 449 60%
Total 743 100.0%
Age group How house is occupied
<35 35 - 54 55 - 74 75+ Own outright
Buying on
mortgage
Rent from
private
landlord f % f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 8 10% 77 27% 71 25% 9 10% 88 24% 69 26% 5 7%
No but I have in the past 3 4% 21 7% 29 10% 18 20% 49 13% 15 6% 4 6%
No, but I plan to in the future 12 15% 30 11% 9 3% 3 3% 14 4% 35 13% 4 6%
No and do not plan to in the future 57 71% 154 55% 171 61% 60 67% 223 60% 147 55% 59 82%
Total 80 100% 282 100% 280 100% 90 100% 374 100% 266 100% 72 100%
What appliance(s) do you/did
you use to burn solid
fuel? f %
Open fire 170 69%
Stove 65 26%
Other 26 11%
Total 247 100%
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
What type(s) of solid fuels do you use? f % Wood I have collected myself/scavenged 122 57%
Wood pellets 6 3%
Wood chip 7 3%
Logs 149 70%
Biomass briquettes 20 9%
Smokeless coal 96 45%
Coal 53 25%
Total 214 100%
If you burn scavenged wood where do you
obtain it from? f % From own garden 20 83%
Local woodlands 3 13%
Planks, pallets etc., from skips 6 25%
Contacts in building or horticultural industries 3 13%
Other 3 13%
Total 24 100%
Why/how do you
use solid fuel in your
home? f % Main form of heating 19 10%
Supplementary heating 179 90%
Total 198 100%
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
On average, how often
do you use solid fuel to
heat your home during
the following periods? Never 1 - 2 times a week 3 - 4 times a week 5 - 6 times a week Everyday Total f % f % f % f % f % f %
January - March 24 12% 100 51% 34 17% 19 10% 20 10% 197 100%
April - June 126 80% 25 16% 7 4% 0 0% 0 0% 158 100%
July - September 149 96% 7 5% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 156 100%
October - December 32 17% 97 51% 30 16% 17 9% 15 8% 191 100%
Where do you store your solid fuel? f % Inside your home 43 21%
In a shed, cellar or other covered area 87 43%
Outdoors under cover 106 52%
Outdoors without a cover 23 11%
Other 8 4%
Total 203 100%
What is your understanding of Smoke Control Areas? f % They mean you can’t burn any smokey fuel 150 20%
They are old laws that do not apply anymore 9 1%
They are areas where you can only use exempt appliances to burn fuels 91 12%
They are areas where you can only use approved smokeless fuels 389 52%
Don’t know 247 33%
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
What is your understanding of Smoke
Control Areas? Gender Age group Male Female <35 35 - 54 55 - 74 75+
f % f % f % f % f % f % They mean you can’t burn any smokey fuel 79 22% 69 18% 14 17% 40 14% 54 19% 39 42%
They are old laws that do not apply
anymore
5 1% 3 1% 1 1% 1 0% 3 1% 4 4%
They are areas where you can only use
exempt appliances to burn fuels
55 15% 35 9% 8 10% 39 14% 34 12% 9 10%
They are areas where you can only use
approved smokeless fuels
201 56% 184 49% 26 32% 138 49% 180 64% 43 47%
Don’t know 100 28% 143 38% 45 56% 109 39% 69 25% 21 23%
Total 359 100% 374 100% 81 100% 283 100% 280 100% 92 100%
What is your understanding of Smoke
Control Areas? How house is occupied Known if in an SCA or not
Own outright
Buying on
mortgage
Rent from private
landlord Yes No f % f % f % f % f %
They mean you can’t burn any smokey fuel 97 26% 40 15% 10 13% 66 28% 77 16%
They are old laws that do not apply
anymore
7 2% 0 0% 1 1% 2 1% 4 1%
They are areas where you can only use
exempt appliances to burn fuels
42 11% 36 13% 11 15% 46 20% 43 9%
They are areas where you can only use
approved smokeless fuels
218 58% 133 50% 28 37% 178 77% 202 41%
Don’t know 94 25% 103 38% 36 48% 14 6% 225 46%
Total 374 100% 268 100% 75 100% 232 100% 489 100%
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Do you know if you
live in a Smoke
Control Area? f % Yes 233 32%
No 495 68%
Total 728 100%
Do you know if you
live in a Smoke
Control Area? Gender Male Female
f % f %
Yes 129 37% 102 28%
No 224 64% 263 72%
Total 353 100% 365 100%
Do you know if you
live in a Smoke
Control Area? Age group <35 35 - 54 55 - 74 75+
f % f % f % f %
Yes 15 19% 75 27% 101 37% 40 47%
No 63 81% 205 73% 175 63% 46 54%
Total 78 100% 280 100% 276 100% 86 100%
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Do you know if you
live in a Smoke
Control Area? How house is occupied
Own outright
Buying on
mortgage
Rent from private
landlord f % f % f %
Yes 141 39% 75 28% 10 14%
No 222 61% 190 72% 63 86%
Total 363 100% 265 100% 73 100%
Where do you look to find out if you
are in a Smoke Control Area? f % Environment Agency 154 21%
Reading Borough Council Website 413 56%
Search engine 141 19%
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service 33 4%
Other 28 4%
Don’t know 212 29%
Total 742 100%
Where do you look to find out if you
are in a Smoke Control Area? Known if in an SCA or not
Yes No f % f %
Environment Agency 50 22.10% 97 19.70%
Reading Borough Council Website 168 74.30% 231 46.90%
Search engine 32 14.20% 105 21.30%
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service 7 3.10% 22 4.50%
Other 17 7.50% 8 1.60%
Don’t know 24 10.60% 184 37.30%
Total 226 100.00% 493 100.00%
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Would you like to see the number of Smoke
Control Areas in the Borough increased or
decreased? f % Increased 200 27%
Decreased 51 7%
Not sure, I need more information before I decide 483 66%
Total 734 100%
Have you or people you know ever
experienced issues (health or otherwise) as a
result of air pollution? Count
Column
N % Yes 191 26%
No 436 59%
Don’t know 113 15%
Total 740 100%
If yes please say how… f % Breathing difficulties 141 74%
Stress/anxiety 31 16%
Other health issue 31 16%
Unpleasant smells 97 51%
Extra cleaning/washing 72 38%
Other non-health issue 12 6%
Total 190 100%
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
What do you think is the
main cause of air pollution
affecting you or your family? f % Traffic Pollution 649 91%
Domestic Chimney Smoke 65 9%
Smoking 170 24%
Industrial emissions/smoke 198 28%
Other 62 9%
Total 714 100%
What do you think is the
main cause of air pollution
affecting you or your family? Age group <35 35 - 54 55 - 74 75+
f % f % f % f %
Traffic Pollution 73 91% 256 93% 235 88% 80 94%
Domestic Chimney Smoke 7 9% 24 9% 25 9% 8 9%
Smoking 25 31% 65 24% 60 23% 18 21%
Industrial emissions/smoke 22 28% 96 35% 65 24% 13 15%
Other 3 4% 26 9% 25 9% 5 6%
Total 80 100% 276 100% 266 100% 85 100%
Are you male
or female? f % Male 362 49%
Female 378 51%
Total 740 100%
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
What is your
age group? f % 16 - 24 6 1%
25 - 34 75 10%
35 - 44 131 18%
45 - 54 152 21%
55 - 64 149 20%
65 - 74 137 18%
75+ 93 13%
Total 743 100%
In which of these ways does your
household occupy your current
accommodation? f % Own outright 380 52%
Buying on mortgage 268 36%
Rent from council 2 0%
Rent from Housing Association / Trust 6 1%
Rent from private landlord 75 10%
Other 6 1%
Total 737 100%
Including yourself, how many people
live in your house according to these age
groups���? f %
Live alone 172 25%
Live alone with child(ren) 32 5%
Live with 1 other adult 238 35%
Live with 1 other adult and child(ren) 125 19%
Live with 2 other adults 51 8%
Live with 2 other adults and child(ren) 18 3%
Live with 3 or more other adults 28 4%
Live with 3 or more other adults and child(ren) 13 2%
Total 677 100%
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
APPENDIX 2-Q20 OPEN ENDED COMMENTS
29
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
No issues with air quality
Air quality has improved dramatically in recent years, cars have lower emissions, cleaner the air the better.
(Abbey, SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
The health problems I had with air pollution were when I lived in London, that was one of the reasons I moved to Tilehurst where the air is much clearer. If there are restrictions on garden fires and on what can be burnt no-one knows about them so maybe a few posters or a leaflet drop would help.
(Kentwood, SCA, Female, 35 - 44)
There are no air quality issues I am aware of in Reading.
(Kentwood, SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
I have no problem with the burning of solid fuels and air quality in my area.
(Kentwood, SCA)
Domestic chimney smoke is not a problem in the area that I live i.e. Caversham.
(Mapledurham, Not in an SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
The area in which I live and its elevation does not suffer from air pollution in my opinion.
(Norcot, SCA, Male, 75+)
I have no need to press for more regulation in my area. No problems that are significant.
(Park, Not in an SCA, Female, 25 - 34)
I do not believe reading has a significant pollution problem at all, and would like the time and cost of survey making spent on road and rubbish problems.
(Redlands, Not in an SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
Does not seem to be a major issue in this area.
(Redlands, Not in an SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
I live on the edge of Reading and I personally think the air quality in my home area is very good.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
30
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
This is not a smoke control area, but there are no problems with smoke or air quality. There is no need for additional controls in this local area.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Male, 55 - 64)Traffic issues
There is a lot of traffic which causes pollution in the central Reading area. The development of new high rise apartment buildings will only exacerbate this issue. The council should restrict the building of high rise buildings and promote sustainable housing.
(Abbey, Not in an SCA, Male, 25 - 34)
I would like to see measures to keep traffic flowing and keep cyclists/pedestrians away from traffic.
(Battle, SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
I am a cyclist and it is very obvious on some hot, still days that you can smell and taste petrol fumes an I have more difficulty breathing on my bike. The new Tesco and West Village on Oxford Road and fast food outlets cause more pollution and stinking rubbish.
(Battle, SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
Cycling along the river to work rather than along Oxford Road to Woodley has stopped my breathing problems because of the traffic pollution.
(Battle, SCA, Female, 25 - 34)
Fewer cars on the road = less pollution. More people should use public transport, encourage them by charging rational fares e.g. flat rate from town terminus to town centre.
(Caversham, Not in an SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
Reduce number of cars per household.
(Caversham, Not in an SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
Burning of solid fuel seems insignificant in comparison with the pollution caused by Reading's dreadful traffic flow problems - very high levels of particulates, particularly in summer, cannot be blamed on burning of solid fuel.
(Caversham, Not in an SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
Need more facilities for cyclists to reduct number of car journeys
(Caversham, Not in an SCA, Female, 75+)
31
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Air pollution in Caversham is caused by traffic. Traffic pollution needs tackling. Burning of non-smokeless fuels is not a significant issue here.
(Caversham, Not in an SCA, Female, 55 - 64)
The biggest contributor to poor air quality for us is pollution from traffic, which sits in a queue pumping out fumes several times a day. There is little incentive for cyclists to be encouraged and the roads are dangerous. Cycle paths end abruptly at the most dangerous places. Bridges cant cope with volume of cars.
(Caversham, SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
It seems to me the biggest source of air pollution in Reading is traffic - especially vehicles in static jams, belching out exhaust emissions. Any initiatives to keep traffic moving would surely do more to reduce air pollution than any attempts to stop people using wood burners etc. Stop sticking traffic lights everywhere, they often impeded traffic flow unnecessarily. Develop incentive schemes to discourage drivers into/through Reading. Make bus fares and bike scheme cheaper! Build the third bridge to reduce town centre congestion.
(Caversham, Not in an SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
The main problem in Reading is poor traffic flow and congestion.
(Church, Not in an SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
Air is generally poor in the Thames Valley because it is a valley, therefore it does not matter what you do. You won't be able to affect it because of the major motorways / roads passing through it.
(Church, Not in an SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
Explore research on cars using electric power and petrol with lower emissions. It would be good if the price of oil could be reduced.
(Church, Not in an SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
One way to minimise vehicle pollution is to improve traffic flow and reduce traffic jams. A particularly bad example is the Mill Lane/London Street bottleneck where traffic was reduced to one lane. If London Street reverted to two lanes southbound and the pinch point was removed from Mill Lane there would be a great improvement.
(Church, Not in an SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
Traffic pollution from the older Reading Borough Council buses
(Church, Not in an SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
Return of roundabout at end of Elm Road/Shinfield Road. Queues of traffic in Elm Road always, traffic pollution and noise.
32
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
(Church, Not in an SCA, Female, 55 - 64)
Traffic pollution is a big issue for us. Cost of public transport is horrendous. Huge pavement on A4 between Calcot Golf Course and Aldi when no-one ever walks there. Would have been more cost efficient and better to build a cycle path.
(Female, 35 - 44)
Traffic pollution is a major issue in Kentwood Hill. Large lorries still travel up and down in spite of the hill being unsuitable.
(Kentwood, SCA, Female, 75+)
Use of solid fuel is not a significant source of pollution when compared with vehicle emissions. The smoke control area has don its bit to reduce pollution but driven more by availability of natural gas.
(Norcot, SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
More action on traffic pollution and speeding.
(Norcot, SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
Too much traffic around Prospect Park residential areas, especially Grovelands Road, very bad for children in particular in terms of health and safety.
(Norcot, SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
I know buses are seldom let into the traffic. However bus lay-by at stops would reduce traffic pollution.
(Norcot, SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
Living only about three miles from the centre of a large town, we are very lucky in that we do not suffer from air or noise pollution. There are no motorways or think roads in the vicinity.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Male, 75+)
Traffic pollution in reading is due to stop start driving which is increased by reading council use of bus lanes. Buses block roads and the bus lanes increase traffic jams. Reading council need to admit that trying to get people onto busses is not working, if you take into account the money spent on running the busses and the cost of bus lanes and traffic lights for busses the cost per customer journey will be extremely high. If a tiny fraction of the money spent on busses was spent on cycle facilities the air pollution could be reduced. Stop wasting money, sort out traffic flow and make reading cycle friendly.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
33
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Seems to be more pollution in South Reading because of proximity of M4 - therefore traffic pollution is main cause in our town.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
Very concerned about the amount of parents using cars to bring child/children to and from school every day. We have recently moved near a school and it is horrendous the amount of cars that turn up. The pollution that this must cause doesn't bear thinking about.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
Smoke control in east Reading is irrelevant compared with air pollution from traffic. Why are you discussing smoke control zones and at the same time trying to build a third Reading bridge increasing traffic.
(Redlands, Not in an SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
There seem to be a lot of vehicles (mostly vans and buses) still emitting nasty looking exhaust emissions in excess volumes. There is no way to report these vehicles. Can you do something about this?
(Redlands, Not in an SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
We need real cycle lanes (not just painted areas on the road) like on the continent.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
Would like to see more 20 mph signs imposed in densely built up areas.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Male, 75+)
Uplands Road has had enough of constant buses and cars on the road. There is little room if a lorry parks. Please find and alternative bus route.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
This is certainly a step in the right direction and I am pleased to offer my thoughts, it would be nice to see steps being taken to improve fumes from the traffic, I appreciate and support the measures to get people using public transport but this too needs to be friendly to the environment. Also allowing the traffic to be so congested is far from ideal, 80% of vehicles are diesel and these produce far more harmful gas. Also petrol vehicles use more fuel stationary, thus allowing the increase of hydro carbons to be far greater. If you allow pedestrians to share this air quality this will lead to poor health. Finally, should you really be allowing so many black cabs in the town, these are all diesel and often these sit around with their engines running for a long time, thus. If you want to target something look at this group also.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
We have a lot of old diesel taxis. Should these not be replaced? Reading buses are doing their bit
34
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
with gas power. The taxis should go green.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
I would like to see more electrically powered vehicles on the road and a reduction of fuel powered types.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
Please reduce the amount of traffic moving through Caversham.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
Some of the older buses are smoking and cause pollution - get them seen to A.S.A.P.
(Tilehurst, SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
The most common type of heating in this area is gas central heating, any emissions from chimney are peripheral. The outpourings from traffic are checked by the public transport provisions in this area. Therefore any funds or grants should go towards public transport arrangements.
(Tilehurst, SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
With regards to traffic pollution my road is used as a shortcut / race track even though it has speed bumps. Also, some users don't obey weight limits.
(Whitley, Not in an SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
The area I live in is close to the M4, therefore it is my belief that Reading, particular Whitley Wood is a poor area for good air quality. This contributes to the high number of asthmatic and others who suffer breathing difficulties - I am a nurse and see this daily.
(Whitley, Not in an SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
35
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Awareness
Need to have more general information available
(Battle, SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
I had no idea air quality was being monitored. I think it needs more publicity and information sharing via local newspapers/ TV news etc.
(Caversham, SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
House agents should know the situation of control in the area and pass on details to new tenants and owners.
(Caversham, SCA, Female, 75+)
More information needed.
(Caversham, SCA, Female)
Council to raise awareness of health risks regarding burning debris in garden etc.
(Church, Not in an SCA, Female, 55 - 64)
I think there should be more public education about air pollution in general but especially for families with young babies or children. More testing of diesel cars emissions essential to reduce cardiovascular deaths and asthma.
(Church, Not in an SCA, Female, 55 - 64)
I do not really know anything about smoke control areas. I do know that I wish people were not allowed to have bonfires as I believe them to be antisocial and dangerous.
(Katesgrove, SCA, Female, 35 - 44)
I am unaware of the smoke control areas, not sure if this has been advertised/promoted.
(Katesgrove, SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
I have no idea what the regulations regarding wood/solid fuel burning and nor does anyone I know. Information should be more available. Also, who monitors and enforces the rules.
(Kentwood, SCA, Female, 55 - 64)
I do not think air pollution/smoke control areas is a topic that has been highlighted to residents or
36
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
people occupying them. It has been alien until this survey.
(Kentwood, SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
Would appreciate if it was possible, to understand the levels of all main pollution sources in our areas and the implication of these levels more easily than it is currently possible.
(Mapledurham, Not in an SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
Until now I'd never heard of a smoke controlled area.
(Minster, SCA, Female, 35 - 44)
Really do not understand if garden tagines are included in this survey or whether they come in the category of smoke control area.
(Norcot, SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
Tell us what fuels are smokeless when we live in a smokeless area.
(Norcot, SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
After filling in this survey I looked online to see if I lived in a smoke control area, it was not easy to find out, I eventually gave up!
(Park, Not in an SCA, Female, 55 - 64)
Assuming the council knows which properties are within a smoke control area, does it not inform occupants of the implications of that status?
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Male, 75+)
I have no idea if I live in a smoke control area, I've never heard anything about it. I had a multi-fuel stove installed at great cost so I would be very angry if I couldn't use it!
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Female, 35 - 44)
People need education on what fuels they can burn, households still giving off smoke from chimneys.
(Tilehurst, SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
Reading Council's website it not very good at being able to locate smoke control area information. Also, why is central Reading not in a smoke control area (around the oracle).
(Tilehurst, SCA, Male, 25 - 34)
37
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
It would be useful to know where to get impartial information about various fuels.
(Tilehurst, SCA, Female, 75+)
People misunderstand rules - particularly relating to use of garden bonfires. It would help if information was refreshed and recirculated by RBC.
(Tilehurst, SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
38
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Health issues
You have only included wood and coal because you can see the result i.e. smoke. All other burning causes pollution and can be more harmful to health i.e. gas, oil. Diesel engines produce particulates which particularly affect elderly people. And what about tobacco and other smoking? Barbecues, burger stalls? And aircraft dumping their fuel! And aircraft...(I won't go as far as farting!).
(Caversham, SCA)
Question 15 is incorrectly stated as it assumes, without proof being shown, that air pollution affects my health in this borough. As such it allows incorrect conclusions to be drawn. Having commissioned many surveys, I find it unprofessional.
(Mapledurham, Not in an SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
People do seem to be burning palettes and other treated softwood without knowing or considering the health effects. There could be greater awareness raising of issues given the increase (perceived but I think real) of wood burning stoves etc.
(Southcote, SCA, Female, 35 - 44)
Due to me having COPD taking into account many people of the community having asthma, burning residential rubbish should be stopped, especially in summer as this makes is worse with respiratory problems
(Southcote, SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
Seriously reducing pollution would be fantastic and should not be a matter of negotiation as health is a priority and not a political game.
(Tilehurst, SCA, Female, 35 - 44)
39
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Bonfires
Air pollution does not come from burning solid fuels. It comes from people burning rubbish in their back gardens and stationary traffic.
(Battle, SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
I think all bonfires etc. should be banned in built up areas, there is already enough pollution because of traffic.
(Katesgrove, SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
We have occasional problems with smoke from bonfires from nearby allotments in the early evening. I am not against bonfires as we occasionally have them but people should be told not to have them before a certain time (say 8.80pm in the summer).
(Kentwood, SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
I believe that bonfires are a far more regular source of pollution than log burners in my local area. There seems to be no control exercised at all over what is burned or when.
(Kentwood, SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
Burning of rubbish or garden rubbish only after 4pm as people can be working in their gardens, children could be playing, washing is hung out!
(Kentwood, SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
Include bonfires in the subject. Traffic pollution and explaining why the driving public were influenced to buy diesel cars in the recent past and now being informed that emissions are also bad for the environment.
(Kentwood, SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
I would like to see more control of back yard burning as it often involves green vegetation and thus very smoky.
(Mapledurham, Not in an SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
Would like to see strict controls on the use of bonfires.
(Mapledurham, Not in an SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
Please ban bonfires. Please consider a London style low emission zone in all Reading postcodes. Please consider a congestion charge.
(Minster, Not in an SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
40
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Smoke from garden bonfires was not mentioned in this survey but has a much bigger impact on residents' lives.
(Norcot, SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
I would be interested to understand why there are no formal guidelines on bonfires and when it is appropriate to have them and where. As far as I'm aware there are 'common sense' principles on the website (Reading Borough Council) but no way to ensure them. Bonfires can cause major problems if people are ignorant of what can be burned.
(Norcot, SCA, Female, 35 - 44)
We have had problems with people having bonfires in the built up area - much more of an issue than fuel burning in homes.
(Park, Not in an SCA, Female, 25 - 34)
Rules regarding bonfire (if there are any) should be more publicised - especially during summer months. The smell affects my clothing when I put the washing out and when the windows are open.
(Southcote, SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
Knew there used to be restrictions in 70s but never heard anyone mention any since childhood. Is there a restriction on garden bonfires and what time you can do them.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Female, 35 - 44)
I had to speak to a neighbour who was burning old fence panels and posts but there is a smell given off due to the coating on the wood.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
I have a feeling that garden bonfires are not allowed in a town environment but I'm not 100% sure.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Male, 75+)
I have often rung the council over my concerns about bonfires and chimney smoke only to be told very abruptly to move from Caversham to Newton.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Female, 55 - 64)
I would like to know the rules regarding garden bonfires as my 'green bin' is not big enough for all garden waste and my compost heap is enormous.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
41
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Bonfires should be banned across the Borough. Persistent bonfire from someone in Greystoke Road, Caversham, normally on hottest day of the year.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
Bonfires are regular in out street, and during the heatwave we had to shut all of our windows. I find it a disgrace in 2014 people are so uneducated about bonfires.
(Tilehurst, SCA, Female, 35 - 44)
I would like to see a total ban on garden bonfires to stop inconsiderate neighbours preventing out enjoyment of our own garden and causing unpleasant smells and breathing conditions especially during warm days when windows are open. Also a partial ban on smoky barbecues; gas power emits less smoke than conventional types.
(Tilehurst, SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
Better control of burning rubbish in gardens.
(Whitley, Not in an SCA, Male, 75+)
42
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Systems used
I rarely light my fire any more. Even with smokeless fuel it is very messy and storing the coal and kindling is not easy.
(Abbey, SCA, Female, 55 - 64)
I like the smell or burning logs and coal in winter in my area.
(Caversham, SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
Use of stove have reduced central heating bill. It is much easier than an open fire.
(Church, Not in an SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
I would be interested to know why this survey is being carried out. I have invested heavily in a lined chimney and wood burner and would not want to rely on expensive gas and electricity. I think the questions about health and pollution are ill conceived. How can non-medical people say what causes ill-health. One question on cigarette smoking would have been useful.
(Mapledurham, Not in an SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
Details given are for the past year 2013/2014. My husband has recently died, so my use of solid fuel based heating may alter in future.
(Mapledurham, Not in an SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
I have no solid fuel appliances.
(Norcot, SCA, Male, 75+)
Use of wood for heating and cooking is sustainable. It uses fuel that would otherwise end up in landfill. Searching and preparing for use is good exercise. It is the only way I afford to heat my home. Any restriction would mean I go cold all winter. A better way to improve pollution would be encouraging use of railway and our canal system rather than lorries.
(Norcot, SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
We do not use any solid fuel. Only gas and electric.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA)
We have a jetmaster log burning appliance installed 30 years ago. As well as direct heat it gives off convected heat. The only other heating we have in the house is central heating so it acts as back-up if that fails. How often we use it depends on the severity of the winter. How often we use it depends on the severity of the winter, only used at weekends (if very cold) and not every weekend. I nearly
43
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
threw envelope away without opening - survey should have been mentioned on outside, it looked like junk mail.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
Regarding question 1 - 6 I no longer live in a house with any forms of solid fuel and heating.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Male, 75+)
I rely on under floor heating and only use wood burner on special occasions when outside conditions are cold/damp.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
We use a modern cassette-type log burner to provide additional ground-floor heating in winter - mostly weekends, Christmas etc.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
It is important that solid fuel heating remains. It may be supplementary but a back up source of heat is plain common sense. I do remember winters like 1947 and 1963.
(Southcote, SCA, Male, 75+)
I think wood burning stores are a good idea as they are built to produce heat efficiently and minimise emissions. These would appear to be in the mid to expensive range therefore people buy the cheapest and cause more pollution. I would not wish to see them banned, just controlled.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
Wood burner installed last year in an effort to reduce gas usage.
(Thames, Not in an SCA)
We use the open fire about 5 - 6 times per winter. The radio button options did not provide responses to indicate this.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
44
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Enforcement
When my husband and I moved to this house we were told it was in a smokeless zone. This has never been enforced and we are surrounded by emissions. I would like to see stricter enforcement so we can all live more healthy and pleasantly.
(Kentwood, SCA, Female, 55 - 64)
Now more eco-friendly burning fuels and devices are widely available - laws and requirements need to be updated.
(Norcot, SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
45
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Smoke from cigarettes
Please can the council do more to enforce cigarette smoking laws (e.g. ensuring smokers observe the minimum distance from doorways/public entrances)
(Mapledurham, Not in an SCA, Male, 25 - 34)
There is an issue with other residents in the flats, smoking right outside the building. I get the smoke in all rooms of my first floor flat, I feel this should be regulated.
(Minster, Not in an SCA, Female, 25 - 34)
Any reduction in air pollution from reduce smoke, reduced cigarette smoking areas, reduced cigarette rubbish, diesel etc. is going to help everyone's quality of life.
(Southcote, SCA, Male, 55 - 64)
46
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Issues with systems and their use by others
There are many houses in this area that do not use smokeless fuel. In the 1960s people were given a grant to change over to gas fires.
(Caversham, SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
Smell from wood burning fires.
(Caversham, Not in an SCA, Male, 75+)
Take particular care with installations in new builds. My experience has been inefficient heating systems that on paper appear environmentally friendly but just don’t function well - maybe use of cheap products is to blame.
(Kentwood, SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
I would like to have the option of using logs on the open fire or the odd occasion in the winter months. Up to now, I had thought we could do this.
(Kentwood, SCA, Female, 55 - 64)
For thousands of years we have made fires to cook and warm ourselves. If you're planning to follow the lead of the EPA in the US by banning wood burning stoves, then imagine if we had a long lasting power cut. The same fools to ban it would be grateful to anyone that could light them a fire.
(Minster, Not in an SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
There is a lot of smoke from chimneys in Reading in the smoke control area. My neighbour at the back of my house burns logs and the smoke from the bungalow with a low chimney blows straight into my garden.
(Minster, SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
It is a fad that it is not good for the environment.
(Norcot, SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
As mentioned briefly in Q14 the war years (WWII) - the worst for all air pollution due to dust/buildings on fire/fumes from all sorts of engines. 1950s onwards, air pollution from coal burning chimneys/factories - plus traffic smog (daily).
(Park, Not in an SCA, Male, 75+)
Neither planning nor building control regulations prevented our next door neighbours from installing a ground floor chimney within 10 feet of our first floor bedroom windows. As solid fuel burning
47
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
stoves become increasingly fashionable this issue needs addressing urgently to prevent further suffering.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
One of our neighbours houses can only be treated by using solid fuel. Encouraging their stingy landlord to put in modern heating would improve the whole neighbourhood - he gives them scavenged wood to burn and it smells dreadful.
(Redlands, Not in an SCA, Female, 25 - 34)
Not keen on smoke free areas if it means you can't burn wood.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
I would welcome a smoke restriction in my area. Local residents use smoky fuel in their fire place.
(Male, 35 - 44)
48
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Population growth
Continuing immigration has a massive effect on pollution. We have limited capacity and infrastructure to cope with this. Education also cannot cope with it, housing likewise. We are not talking rocket science here just plain common sense - this is not racist.
(Mapledurham, Not in an SCA, Male, 75+)
Existing residents burning dead wood is not the problem. The problem of increased air pollution comes from encouraging too many people to move into an already populated area.
(Redlands, Not in an SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
49
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Other
If the scientists told people about the world and the environment pollution then I think the whole world would have a clean environment.
(Abbey, SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
Sitting in front of an open fire on a cold January evening is something I enjoy very much. I do not drive a car and I only burn recycled wood. I think I do my bit to reduce air pollution already.
(Abbey, SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
My husband drives steam engines therefore burns over 10 tons of coal on a daily basis. I do not know if it is smokeless coal or not.
(Battle, SCA, Female, 55 - 64)
Is this important to be able to have a lot of fire?
(Caversham, SCA, Female, 35 - 44)
Levels of air pollution, as measured by our roadside monitors.
(Caversham, Not in an SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
Put wind turbines between junction 11 and junction 12 M4 to offset some power needs of reading.
(Minster, Not in an SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
Tell the Eastern Europeans about the dump, this will cut down on fires and the stuff they dump in the street maybe.
(Norcot, SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
I wish I could help you more but I don't use solid fuel and not quite sure what harm fuel would cause, except if one ought to get burnt from open fire.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
We work as volunteers with the care of a small orchard in a local Horticultural Therapy unit, and much of our wood comes from pruning the trees in this orchard. We store the cut wood until it dries before burning. Because of the age of the orchard shredding and composting is not advisable because the wood is often diseased.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Male, 75+)
50
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
I live under the flight path to London Heathrow both landing/taking off and worry about fuel emission during these times. They land and turn left at what is called in aviation language, Woodley Beacon. This is my main concern regarding releasing fuel for landing.
(Redlands, Not in an SCA, Female, 75+)
Regarding plane tree pollen mentioned above. This may not be well known in UK but is worth considering in terms of improving air quality. For more information Roay Cheek, Horticultural Consultant is an expert on plane tree issues.
(Southcote, SCA, Female, 55 - 64)
Noise pollution is also a big problem, especially the exceptionally loud fireworks people can buy these days. I worry mainly about the effect on wildlife.
(Thames, Not in an SCA, Female, 55 - 64)
51
The Market research Group- Reading Smoke Control Area Survey November 2014
Survey comments
Glad to know that this sort of thing is reviewed from time to time.
(Caversham, Not in an SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
Thank you so much for addressing this important issue - if really fuels my faith in Reading Council (a good first impression as I am new to the area)
(Caversham, Not in an SCA, Female, 35 - 44)
Glad to see Reading looking into this as I do notice pollution in central London. It is nice to get back to Reading.
(Church, Not in an SCA, Female, 45 - 54)
Have you done an air quality survey in London?
(Katesgrove, SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
What will be done with the information gathered?
(Minster, SCA, Female, 65 - 74)
You say 'not possible to link any individual to the answers/questionnaire' yet you have put codes on the front page to do exactly that. Surely in times of "transparency" better to be honest with people.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Male, 35 - 44)
Is there really a problem with air pollution in Reading? This seems a lot of waffle for very little purpose.
(Peppard, Not in an SCA, Male, 65 - 74)
I would be interested in seeing the results of this survey.
(Southcote, SCA, Male, 45 - 54)
Good as being reviewed.
(Tilehurst, SCA, Male, 75+)
52