Crackdown on flytipping to prevent arson attacks in Southend (From Echo)

Crackdown on flytipping to prevent arson attacks in Southend

7:30am Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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BUSINESSES have been told to clean up their act in an effort to stop arsonists setting fire to their rubbish.

The Essex Fire Service and Southend Council have teamed up to rid the streets of flytipped rubbish following a spate of arson attacks in town centre areas.

Officers from both organisations have warned shopkeepers to clear up any waste behind their shops and handed out business fire safety advice leaflets.

Any shops not complying with the advice will face further action to make sure the rubbish is cleared away and not allowed to build up again.

Southend fire safety station officer, Pete Bennett, said: “This initiative was in response to several arson incidents recently involving shops in and around these particular locations.

“Our crews have found fires were often started in piles of rubbish which had been left out, and in some cases this rubbish contained dangerous and highly flammable waste, including paints and paint thinners and even potentially explosive cylinders.”

Last month, a tattoo shop in West Road, Shoebury, was set on fire causing £25,000 damage.

A week later an arson attack gutted part of Bansals Pharmacy in the Broadway, Thorpe Bay, after yobs set fire to a bin full of cardboard.

Independent Thorpe Bay councillor, Mike Stafford, said he was working with the council, residents and traders to clear up alleyways behind the shops in the Broadway.

He said: “People see rubbish and think my little bit won’t hurt. We hope to clear it of rubbish. From there the shopkeepers will keep it tidy and keep an eye on flytipping. ”

Karon Grant, street scene team manager, said: “The irresponsible management of rubbish not only affects the local environment, but can be detrimental to people’s lives if a fire takes hold.”

Free home safety fire visits are available from the fire service. Call 01702 614433 for more information.