COUNCIL bosses have secured a warrant to visit a scrap metal site in Great Harwood if fires on the property do not cease.

Hundreds of residents in Great Harwood and Clayton-le-Moors have filed complaints against the owner of TH Smith and Sons Ltd after being forced to deal with copious amounts of smoke over the past few months.

As reported in the Lancashire Telegraph, notices were handed to the landowner several times from the council, police and fire services to put an end to the fires.

On Tuesday, August 2, a council meeting was held at Scaitcliffe House where councillors agreed action must be taken and further disruption to residents' lives would not be tolerated.

They will now be able to enter the site 'when a statutory nuisance in being caused'.

A council spokesperson said: “We are aware that there have been numerous complaints to the council, police and fire service about smoke and fumes caused by fires at these premises.

"This is causing a real nuisance to residents in Great Harwood and Clayton-le-Moors and we would again appeal to those responsible to show consideration for those that they are affecting and stop burning materials at this site.

"The situation has been discussed with the landowner and an abatement notice has been served to try and prevent the nuisance that is being caused.

"Unfortunately, the fires have continued despite the abatement notice and the council has now secured a further warrant from the courts that will enable entry to the site when a statutory nuisance is being caused.

"The council, police and fire service have already executed a previous warrant to enter the site and put out a fire that was causing smoke and fumes but regrettably fires have continued at the site.

"This is not a situation that can be allowed to continue and the agencies concerned will take all appropriate action to deal with those responsible.

"In the meantime we would again appeal to those concerned to stop burning materials at the site.”

No-one from TH Smith was available for comment.