Land near Wisbech closed by police after fly-tipping causes potentially "life-threatening" fire
Land close to a recycling centre in Wisbech has been closed to the public by police due to fly tipping which lead to two fires.
The three-month closure order was granted on the land at the rear of Fenland Recycling Centre in Boleness Road, on Friday (12 December) following a successful application at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT).
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “The action was taken after individuals were using the land to access the recycling centre and dumping items in the overgrowth.
"This resulted in two fires within a few months of each other – one in July which was close to a house, and one in October which was in close proximity to a gas main and could have been life threatening to nearby residents.”
The order, which is in place until 12 March, prohibits access to everyone at all times with the exception of the landowners, their workers and appointed persons, Fenland District Council, and emergency services in the course of legitimate employment.
Failure to comply with the order is a criminal offence which could result in imprisonment of up to three months, a fine, or both.
Sergeant Lee Lombardo, from the Wisbech NPT, said: “My team have been working tirelessly to address the issues at the recycling centre following complaints from workers and the local community.
“We will continue to patrol the area and work with the landowners, partner agencies and the local authority to clear the land and deter those causing the issues.”
Anyone with information about the closure order being breached should contact police online via www.cambs.police.uk/report. Those without internet access should call 101.