Nuisance rubbish fires near Dudley waste mountain prompt campaigners to complain in letter to Express & Star
Nuisance rubbish fires at a Dudley trading estate near an existing 3,000-ton waste mountain are being investigated by environment watchdogs.
People living near Shaw Road say there are regular fires at a site on Dudley Central Trading Estate and 'hot ash and cinders' fall from the sky most evenings as a result.
Residents are already having to put up with a huge mountain of rubbish on the opposite side of the road at Rowan Oak Waste Ltd.
The Environment Agency and Dudley Council have said they are investigating the fires.
Writing to the Express & Star in a joint letter, residents and businesses on Dudley Central Trading Estate said there were 'unauthorised fires every weekday night'.
The letter continues: "No-one is interested enough to do anything about the activities – eventually there will be a major fire on the estate as a result of this continual burning, with hot ash and cinders falling from the sky most evenings."
They add that the fires usually take place at around 5pm each weekday night.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "We've had reports of waste being burned in the evenings at the Dudley Central Trading Estate site.
"We're currently working with Dudley Council to investigate these activities and will take appropriate action where necessary."
The same residents and businesses are also having to put up with a huge rubbish pile of around 3,000 tons on the opposite side of the same road.
This heap of junk has amassed at Rowan Oak Waste Services Ltd, which has now been stripped of its permit to operate.
Dudley North MP Ian Austin says he is tabling parliamentary questions to the secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs urging her to take action against this latest rubbish heap.
It follows the seven year battle to remove a waste mountain at the former RDF site in Brierley Hill, which ended up costing the landowner £2 million to remove.
Dudley Council have confirmed that it has also been informed of the unauthorised burning of waste on Shaw Road.
Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for environment, said: "There have been reports of waste being burnt on Shaw Road and we are working with the Environment Agency to investigate this matter.
"Residents who have any concerns can contact Dudley Council Plus."
The number for Dudley Council Plus is 0300 555 2345.
