Fire crews were dispatched to combat a significant fire in an alleyway behind Whalley Old Road in Little Harwood yesterday evening. The incident raised concerns among local residents, as the flames engulfed a substantial amount of rubbish—including garbage bags, discarded old fridges, broken wooden cabinets, and even an entire set of sofas that had been carelessly dumped in the area. This troublesome fire was alarmingly close to several garages, and the flames were visible throughout the neighborhood, causing distress among those who live nearby.
Residents have long been frustrated by the growing problem of fly-tipping in their community, as the debris has accumulated over time into what can only be described as mountains of rubbish. The access to this public area is through Welbeck Avenue, and the sight of the waste has spurred local homeowners to voice their grievances. Many point out that such an event was both foreseeable and avoidable, and that something needed to be done to alleviate the problem.
One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous but expressed their exasperation at the situation, stated, “We have raised this issue a number of times, and this was bound to happen sooner or later. This could have spread fire to the entire street. Anything could have happened.” Their sentiment echoes the anxiety felt by many in the community who worry about the implications of such irresponsible dumping, not only for property values but also for public safety. The presence of rotting rubbish and potential fire hazards poses a continuous threat to the peaceful atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Earlier this week, local Councillor Tiger Patel, who represents Little Harwood and Whitebirk, visited the site of the fire. He met with council teams that had been investigating the fly-tipping problem and assessing its implications for the surrounding area. During his visit, he emphasized the importance of keeping the neighborhood safe and urged residents to exercise caution. He commented, “I would urge everyone not to put a fire here as this is a resident’s area.” His remarks highlight the delicate balance between community life and the damaging consequences of neglect and disregard for local regulations.
During the same visit, Cllr Patel noted that the land where the rubbish was dumped is deemed private, complicating efforts to take swift action against the perpetrators of this ongoing problem. He remarked, “This is the resident’s area, and the fly-tipping has been going for a while. I think an alley gate here would solve the problem so people would not have access. I know other streets could do with an alley gate.” His proposal reflects a proactive approach to community management, suggesting that more robust measures are needed to secure the area and prevent opportunistic fly-tipping.
The issue of rubbish accumulation and illegal dumping in this part of Blackburn has garnered attention over the past months. The Lancashire Telegraph reported on the growing problem in July, yet it appears that little has been done to alleviate the situation. Last month, Blackburn with Darwen Council made a public appeal for information regarding the ownership of the land in question, highlighting the challenges they face in dealing with this pressing issue.
According to a spokesperson for the council, a legal notice had already been served concerning the land; however, they have not received any communication from the owner or from anyone with knowledge of the property’s ownership. The spokesperson stated, “We sympathize with the residents; however, according to the Land Registry, the land in question is ‘unregistered’.” The unregistered status of the land further complicates the council’s ability to resolve the ongoing problems.
They added, “A legal notice has already been served on the land; however, we have not yet received any communication from the owner or anyone else who may have knowledge as to who owns it.” This ongoing uncertainty only serves to frustrate residents, who feel increasingly desperate for a resolution to their concerns regarding safety, public health, and their living environment.
Additionally, the spokesperson noted that the garages located in the alleyway are also unregistered according to the Land Registry. This fact underscores the intricate nature of land ownership and the difficulties authorities encounter when trying to address matters of public concern in areas without clear title or management. In light of this, the council has urged residents to provide any information regarding the identities of garage owners in the vicinity. The council stated, “If residents can supply us with the names and addresses of the garage owners, we can then continue our investigations.”
This situation in Little Harwood serves as a critical reminder of the importance of community partnership and engagement when it comes to local governance. Both the council and residents must collaborate to ensure the area remains clean, safe, and pleasant for all. Through initiatives such as alley gates and community clean-ups, residents can work together to reclaim their space and deter further incidences of fly-tipping.
Clear communication between residents and local authorities is essential in addressing and ultimately rectifying the issues that threaten the neighborhood. As the community grapples with the remnants of the recent fire and the ongoing problems related to rubbish and fly-tipping, the future remains uncertain, although the concerted efforts of local leaders like Cllr Patel provide a glimmer of hope. By drawing attention to the hazards posed by unregulated waste and advocating for community-centric solutions, there is potential for significant improvement in the area.
The time for action is now, as residents not only deserve to live in a clean and secure environment but also require assurance that their concerns will be met with effective solutions. As they navigate the complexities of land ownership and public safety, unity and active engagement will be crucial in fostering a positive outcome for Little Harwood and its residents. With collaborative efforts, the community can transform the current landscape into a healthier, more sustainable living area, free of hazards and filled with pride.