CALLS have been made to remove tons of rubbish at the site of a former power station after the latest in a series of arson attacks.

Firefighters were called to the site in Huncoat after mounds of rubbish were targeted by arsonists.

The waste has been targeted by arsonists more than three times in six weeks.

Smoke could be seen from several miles away as 10 firefighters from Hyndburn spent more than an hour tackling the fire.

More than 30 lorry-loads of waste was discovered at the Altham Lane site in October.

The Environment Agency is investigating where the rubbish came from.

David Parkin, a former councillor for the area, said it’s becoming a hazard risk and people want it to go. He said: “We don’t have any idea what is in those piles so it’s extremely dangerous for people to be messing around with it. There could be gas canisters in there, petrol, an open flame could cause anyone nearby harm. Those who are investigating it need to be completely thorough before it’s removed which I appreciate but it needs to be gone sooner rather than later.

“Huncoat has come a long way in recent years and the council and residents have done a lot to bring it into a better light.”

Steve Horrocks, watch manager at Hyndburn Fire, said the rubbish is a worry for firefighters. He said: “The water supply up there is scarce, the nearest supply is 600 meters away which is a long distance in an emergency.

“If the rubbish was completely set on fire then there would be a serious risk of affecting the motorway and the railway depending on which way the wind was blowing.

“It’s been hit on at least three occasions and it’s a worry because a full fire engine can be used on one skip fire, so several tonnes of rubbish would be a really big job.”

An Environment Agency spokeswoman said: “We are working closely with the council and police to help deliver a permanent solution.

“It’s important that anyone who has information about this issue reports it to our free incident hotline on 0800 807060.

“This will help us protect and prevent harm to people and the local environment.”