TEIGNBRIDGE garages and workshops are being urged to make sure they are on the right side of the law when using waste oil burners to heat their workplaces.

The district council issued the advice after 'several cases' of burners being operated without a legally required permit.

It says if it finds burners are not being used legally, action could be taken.

Their stance has been backed by Mike Ford, owner of CR Willcocks & Co in Heathfield, who says: "It's unfair on those of us who operate within the rules."

The council, as regulator, says workshops and garages across the district may be trying to keep warm in winter by burning waste oil collected during their work.

Although it can be done safely, it requires a permit from the council.

Recent checks have found 'several' garages in Teignbridge operating a waste oil burner without a permit, making them illegal.

Teignbridge Council's executive member for the environment Cllr Kevin Lake said: "It's understandable for garages to turn to waste oil burners as an affordable way to keep the workplace warm in winter, but it's important they're operated legally and safely.

"Anyone operating without a permit may be causing excessive pollution, so we would ask businesses to make sure they've got a permit, and local people to contact us if they suspect a business doesn't have one."

Once a permit is issued, the council's environmental control team carries out spot checks to ensure the waste oil burner is being properly maintained and used.

If problems or complaints arise, the council can investigate and use its enforcement powers to put things right.

The environmental permit register can be inspected at www.teignbridge.gov.uk/industrialair. Concerns should be directed to the environmental control team on 01626 215059.