Waste fire near tourist hotspot leads to fine
A THORNE businessman has been fined almost £4,500 after a waste fire took place on land he owns near a tourist attraction in the Isle of Axholme.
Colin Muscroft was punished by magistrates in relation to a waste fire discovered by North Lincolnshire Council (NLC) on land near to the entrance of Seven Lakes Country Park, Ealand, in February 2009.
The fire released thick black smoke which blew across the busy A161 canal bridge and several loud explosions were heard with firefighters rushed to the scene to tackle the blaze.
When the waste was examined by council officers approximately 30 spray glue aerosol cans were discovered as well as vinyl flooring samples, wooden carpet grips, a tyre and paperwork relating to Thorne Carpets and Beds Limited.
The site of the fire is owned by Muscroft of, Woodhouse, Belton, who is a Director of the Thorne-based company.
He pleaded guilty to a charge of 'permitting smoke to be emitted from a premises' after the council successfully prosecuted a case against Muscroft and the company at North Lincolnshire Magistrates Court earlier this month.
Both Muscroft and the Thorne company had declined to attend formal interviews or help with the council's investigation and they also both failed to respond to formal notices requiring information.
The local authority pursued legal action under The 1993 Clean Air Act, emission of dark smoke from an industrial or trade site.
Neither Muscroft nor a company representative attended court when each was fined 2,000 plus 200 costs and ordered to pay a 15 victim surcharge, totalling 4,430 altogether.
There was more controversy last September when NLC granted Muscroft planning permission to build a waste transfer and recycling centre at the site of the fire - despite strong opposition from both Crowle Town Council and several residents.
Coun Len Foster, NLC cabinet member for neighbourhood and environment, said: "Air pollution is a serious offence and often people do not realise the serious effects pollution can have on people's health and the environment.
"Disregard for pollution control legislation can have a potentially significant effect on the rising numbers of local people who suffer allergies and respiratory problems related to air pollution.
"I am pleased with the result of the case. I hope this works as a lesson that open air waste fires will not be tolerated."
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Weather for Thorne
Friday 10 February 2012
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