‘Our door is always open’

That’s the message from Mr Soot’s owner today, after he threw down the gauntlet to environment chiefs across the area.

Responding to DEFRA’s consultation on the revised Air Quality Strategy, company owner David told ministers that councils should tap into the rich vein of knowledge that chimney sweeps have to offer.

And for those wanting to work with Mr Soot in the areas we serve, our ‘door is always open’.

In his official response to the consultation, David said: “It is imperative local authorities engage with their local chimney sweeps. As a company, we serve over 1,500 customers a year and, for a great majority of those people, we provide education and advice on how to get the best out of their appliance, and use it in a responsible way.

“As sweeps, we are the ones in homes year after year. We know what fuels are being burnt, how they are being burnt and the types of appliances being used.

“No other solid fuel-associated service is more intouch with solid fuel users than chimney sweeps. Liaising with us, and formulating a partnership approach, is the most effective way of making sure the air we all breathe is as clean as possible.

“We would be more than happy to engage with local authorities in the areas we serve; principally those in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cheshire.

“We are aware that solid fuel knowledge is not readily available ‘in house’ at many councils, and we would be delighted to have such conversations. Our door is always open.”

But David, who an co-founder of grassroots campaign Burnright, also cautioned against handing more powers to councils to tackle air issues.

“The current powers are more than adequate. It should be noted that, at the time of this consultation (April 2023), housecoal has not even been withdrawn from sale/supply in England.

“Legislation relating to the sale of ‘wet’ wood is still very much in its infancy. Allowing these to bed in, alongside continued education of solid fuel users via sweeps, is crucial.”