Fire warning for fly-tippers

Tonnes of waste has been dumped in Peterborough streets, parks and alleyways - and fire fighters are warning of the danger the fly-tipped rubbish is causing.

On Thursday, crews were called to George Street, Woodston, where a large amount of waste has been set alight.

Group Commander Chris Parker, Head of Community Fire Safety at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Fly-tipped material can often be burned or sometimes the public have bonfires to burn off unwanted waste.

“We would always urge residents and businesses take waste to recycling centres or have it collected rather than light a bonfire, as bonfires can spread and quickly get out of hand.

“Sometimes we understand that materials are fly-tipped and later torched by opportunistic arsonists. When fire crews are called to attend nuisance fires like these, they are prevented from attending real emergencies like a house fire or road traffic collision at which our specialist skills and equipment are needed to potentially save a life.

“Setting something on fire deliberately – even if it is a discarded sofa, wooden pallets or even stubble in a field – is arson and is a serious criminal offence. Fire spreads quickly and can destroy property, businesses and lives, therefore we would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to call the police.”

Residents have been contacting the Peterborough Telegraph to name and shame grot spots in the city.

Chris Goodacre sent a photograph of industrial waste left on Bridgehill Road near Gunthorpe. Chris said the area was ‘a regular grot spot.’

Lynn Perry, of Occupation Road, said: “It might be as the area in question (Cathedral Green Rear Entrance) is classed as a private area, but it would be good if the Council could still arrange with Cathedral Green to get this cleared.

She added: “I believe it’s like a lot of streets in Peterborough now, too many people rent properties so have no pride in their street, unlike the few who own their own houses and like to keep their own streets tidy.”

Anyone with information about arsons should call Cambridgeshire police on 101.

To report fly-tipping contact Peterborough City Council on 01733 747474.