Blaze fears at council dump

Foxbar residents were worried that fires at a council dump could put their lives at risk.

They feared fires started by vandals in the skips could spread to a nearby gas station and cause an explosion, we reported in November 1987.

But British Gas officials reassured the residents in Spey Avenue, Foxbar, that the station presented“no hazard whatsoever”.

The move followed the latest incident at the dump in Leitchland Road, when a 17-yearold boy was hit by burning plastic after skips were set alight after closing time.

For Joseph and Ellen McGiffen, the incident was the most recent in a long line.

Mr McGiffen said: “There were six fires at the site last year and we are all worried what might happen if it spreads to the British Gas building.

“Even if they say it is safe, fire and gas do not mix and there could be an explosion.

“It is always at the back of your mind.”

Mr McGiffen added that security with a metal fence would keep vandals out at night.

Bob Vernon, depute director of cleansing, said:“Unfortunately, it is impossible to make sites like this fully secure without coniderable expense.”

He added that they had spoken to the police and asked officers to keep and eye on the site.