Totton'S 250 allotment holders have been banned from lighting bonfires after a spate of complaints about smoke drifting into homes and schools.

Staff employed by Totton and Eling Town Council have had to visit allotments and douse fires that were causing difficulties for people living nearby.

Now the council has decided to impose a bonfire ban in a bid to extinguish the problem.

Town clerk Derek Biggs said: "We have always had a rule that bonfires must not cause a nuisance, but that can be difficult to define.

"Over the past couple of years the issue has become more sensitive for various reasons, including health concerns. We have had complaints from residents and one of the allotment holders themselves.

"It's obvious that a lot of people are upset by bonfires. We have put out several fires started by different growers, but don't have the resources to patrol our sites 24 hours a day."

The decision to ban bonfires was taken at a meeting of the full council.

A report to councillors said: "We have had a number of complaints relating to bonfires on plots causing a nuisance to adjoining residents.

"Tenants should be able to compost 99 per cent of their waste and, with the known health difficulties caused by smoke, we feel it is reasonable to prohibit fires."

Former council chairman John Dawson said: "Some bonfires are left unattended and burn for days.

"We have tried persuasion and occasional surveillance, but an enormous nuisance is being caused and people are looking for action.

"I know it seems draconian, but I think bonfires should be banned."

Fellow councillor Rita Farthing said excessive smoke from bonfires had prevented Testwood School from opening its windows.

A Totton Allotments and Gardens Association spokesman declined to comment on the council's decision.