'We're sick of awful fumes from waste site fires'

The landlady of a pub close to a derelict warehouse has told how people are sick of the thick choking fumes from a spate of mystery fires which have broken out at the site over the last seven years.

The latest blaze at the former V10 Polymers site in Blackburn led to residents being told to keep their windows and doors closed.

Carole Davis, who runs the nearby Clifton Arms pub, said: "It never ends. We just need to know what is going to be done."

The cause of the fires remains unclear but Lancashire Police said a Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service investigation was continuing.

The site's owners have been contacted for a comment while The Environment Agency recently visited the site to undertake monitoring, and said it was "working with partners and landowners to protect the local community and environment".

Last week's fire took place at the empty former plastics factory where tons of waste are still stored.

"It's gone on for far too long – its not just me it is everyone else round here," Ms Davis continued.

"We don't know what toxins are in the air. It's bringing the area down, people are wanting to sell their homes and obviously the prices are affected.

"It is deadly and the fumes are awful."

Martin Kelly, deputy chief executive at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "Sadly, this site has been a blight on our community in that area for too long.

"It's important to stress that this site is in private ownership and it's the responsibility of the landowners to bring it forward for suitable re-development.

"For years, our officers – right across council departments - have worked hard to help resolve this for our residents and we will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency on the matter."

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "We understand the concerns of local residents around this unregulated site.

"We are working with our partners to protect the local community and environment."

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