WEST Somerset’s MP Liddell-Grainger has warned the Government against trying to impose a blanket ban on fuel for wood-burning stoves – which he says would impact heavily and unfairly on rural homes in West Somerset and Exmoor.

His intervention comes after it emerged that Ministers were planning to introduce controls on the sale of wet wood as part of a drive towards carbon-neutrality.

Improperly-seasoned wood bought from corner shops and filling stations is claimed to contribute harmful particulates to the atmosphere when burned.

And the Government is examining ways in which the problem can be reduced by restricting firewood sales to bulk orders of logs from recognised dealers.

Mr Liddell-Grainger, claimed the problem was mainly caused by the fact that thousands of wood-burners had been installed in town and city houses.

“But I shall fight tooth and nail to stop any kind of blanket ban aimed at curing an urban problem spreading out to people living in rural areas like ours who use wood-burners as they were intended to be used.

“Ministers need to be reminded that out in the countryside wood is a vital fuel source and certainly a sensible alternative to oil – and that the huge majority of people who burn it have the sense to ensure it is properly seasoned.

“We should be encouraging the use of wood. It offers the cheapest form of heating, and is a sustainable and renewable fuel source for remote homes which the gas supply doesn’t reach.

‘Firewood also offers a use for thousands of tons of waste timber resulting from woodland management.

Mr Liddell-Grainger asked how restrictions on firewood sales would be enforced.

“Would every log have a ‘don’t-use-before’ stamp? This is a particularly silly measure thought up by people in London which I regard as being insulting to those living outside it.”