EQUIPMENT has been removed from a problem scrapyard shut down by the courts.

Police have today led a multi agency operation to enforce a closure order at the TH Smith site in Great Harwood.

Officers visited the Meadow Street site to secure it, remove the air burner and erect fencing in line with the order which was granted at Blackburn Magistrates Court on Friday.

The action comes after the police, firefighters and council bosses received hundreds of complaints from residents about anti social behaviour including 'the lighting and burning of waste producing smoke'.

Officers have also revealed when the three month order runs out they plan to apply for an extension.

Magistrates approved the formal closure order requested by the police, Hyndburn Council, Environment Agency and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service following a temporary closure notice being served earlier in the month.

The ruling means the commercial side of the site generating the smoke must cease all operations for the next three months.

In addition, the order states anyone who enters that part of the site will be subject to arrest.

A police spokesman said: “We have today attended the site to enforce the order granted by the court last week which will hopefully reassure the local community that we are continuing to take action in line with the direction of the court.

"We are pleased that magistrates have seen fit to hand the T.H.Smith waste site a closure order as it is unacceptable that members of the public should have to live in proximity with criminal, antisocial and environmental activities that have such an impact on their lives.

“The order will last for three months after which an extension can be applied for.

"We hope this reassures members of the local community that we are doing everything we can to address their concerns.

"If activity does continue at the site we will continue to work as a partnership, and will use all the powers available to us to ensure those responsible are dealt with accordingly.

“We would like to thank the community of Hyndburn once again for their patience and support while we have been working to reach this point.”