Publication Date: 05-07-2024 09:00
Industrial scale dumping of waste metal led to Hazlemere fire
Bellway has revealed that industrial levels of recyclable waste were dumped on land it owns in Hazlemere before a fire started on the site.
The waste included recyclable materials, mostly metal. A specialist report was commissioned before the waste could be safely removed.
Bellway has released the report, which had previously been shared with the local authority and Environment Agency.
Ali Maruf, Managing Director for Bellway North London, said: “The fire started after an estimated 70 truckloads of waste were illegally dumped at our site in Amersham Road, Hazlemere, then set alight.
“We appreciate the patience of local residents while the fire was brought under control and then extinguished.
“Bellway followed guidance from the fire service and Environment Agency throughout, and faced delays due to the need to identify the type of materials involved, so it could be disposed of correctly, and we commissioned specialist contractors to do this.
“Their report identified different types of materials and how they would need to be disposed of. The Environment Agency has assessed this and is satisfied that everything has been sent to an appropriate waste facility.
“We were relieved to hear from Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, which attended the fire, that there were no concerns for public health and the report confirmed this.”
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service did not raise any concerts about smoke from the fire.
The land has now been fully cleared, at considerable cost, and Bellway remains in contact with Buckinghamshire Council regarding plans to develop the site.
Residents are being urged to alert the Environment Agency on 0800 807060, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111 if they witness fly tipping.
For further information contact:
Catherine Patmore
Account Executive, Liberty PR
Tel: 01858 437744
Email: catherine@libertypr.co.uk
