THE new owner of a fire-ravaged plastics recycling facility has pledged to step-up security and clear the site ready to make way for a new housing.

The announcement comes after residents living near to the former V10 Polymers site in Paterson Street, Blackburn have spent weeks living in constant fear that another fire would break out.

A multi-agency meeting was held with Dennis Rogers, whose company, Driftdale Ltd has recently bought the site.

Council bosses, firefighters and Environment Agency representatives met with Mr Rogers to discuss securing and clearing the site as a matter of urgency.

Mr Rogers gave reassurances that he has instructed manned 24-hour security on the site, seven days a week, which has been in place since Tuesday and is working on a plan to start clearance works at the site.

He hopes to submit a planning application to the council in January for residential housing.

Mr Rogers said he wants to meet with residents and host a public meeting to discuss his plans.

He said: “The immediate priority is to secure and clear the site.

“I want residents to know they have my assurance that I will be working with the authorities to ensure this is done as soon as possible to give the community the reassurances they need.

“Having visited the site today I fully understand their concerns and will be happy to meet with residents, businesses and other agencies to discuss the next steps that are in everyone’s best interests.”

Harry Catherall, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s chief executive, said: “We welcome the news that this site has been sold and is in new ownership and have met with the site’s new owner to discuss next steps.

This is the best outcome given that the site is now in private ownership and residents have been given assurances that they will start to see positive activity here in the coming weeks.”

The fourth fire in 10 weeks broke out at the site in the early hours of Monday, November 13. Residents had to be evacuated and several roads closed. At the height of the blaze around 90 firefighters using specialist equipment were at the scene to tackle the flames.

Last week, the previous owner David Holt pleaded guilty to three environmental waste offences at Blackburn Magistrates Court.He is due to appear before Preston Crown Court on January 2 for sentencing.