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A factory manager says it is only a matter of time before another fire rips through a derelict industrial site - almost eight months after a huge blaze burned for more than three weeks.
Businesses on the Westwood Industrial Estate in Margate are calling for authorities to take more action to clear the site and prevent another major fire like that in September, which burned for 25 days.
Tony Wilkinson, production manager at neighbouring Hilger Crystals, said: “I think it’s only a matter of time before it goes up again.
VIDEO: Dr Keith Hutton, health and environment manager, and Tony Wilkinson, production manager speak to KentOnline
"Whether it self ignites because it generates heat from sitting there or whether someone comes along and thinks it’s good fun to light it.
“Another fire could effectively shut us down again. We were lucky the prevailing wind took a lot of smoke away from us but if it were to happen in reverse we’d have to vacate on safety grounds.
“Ideally, I’d like to see the council compulsorily purchase the site, demolish it and put new units on it, which would be best for everybody concerned.”
Tonnes of waste are being illegally stored at the unit, the Environment Agency (EA) confirmed, with the authority saying an investigation is still taking place.
But staff at Hilger are frustrated by what they say is a lack of action from the EA and Thanet District Council regarding enforcement to remove the waste.
Dr Keith Hutton, the company’s quality, safety, health and environment manager, said: “We’re a bit disappointed that no authority has stepped in and said we can do something about this.
“It seems to be very limited for effectively an absentee landlord who refuses to fulfil his legal obligations.
“We want removal of all of the waste. The site, even though it’s a dangerous structure, doesn’t pose as much of a threat as the waste. But as long as it’s here, it could catch fire again.
“It wouldn’t have the same impact as previously, but if the wind was blowing in the right direction when it went up there’s a major recycling company with tens of thousands of tonnes of combustible recyclables.
“The waste is full of plastic so if it burns it’s full of toxic fumes, so that’s going to affect everyone again. It is a clear and present danger for all the people around here.”
An EA spokesman said: “Our priority following the discovery of a significant amount of waste in a unit is to find out who dumped it, and take appropriate action as a result.
“The Environment Agency understands and shares people’s concerns but we don’t give running commentaries on live investigations.”
Thanet District Council says the EA is responsible for forcing the landowners to carry out removal of the waste.
Chris Else, area manager for Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The waste ablaze at the industrial site last year was thoroughly soaked with water when the fire was extinguished and has been open to the elements since the incident, as the building was destroyed.
"When the original incident occurred the waste was protected from the elements and dry.
"While the waste could still be ignited, it’s not likely to spread at the same speed and ferocity, and because it is in the open air it would be easier to extinguish the fire.”
The site is owned by Conservation Property Holdings - a company based in the British Virgin Islands.
Dr Hutton added: “They obviously aren’t interested in the site so I’d say just give it away.”
