Next steps for fire ravaged Blackburn site

Published Thursday 21 December 2017 at 15:50

A public meeting was held last night to share plans for the former V10 Polymers plastics recycling site in Blackburn.

The multi-agency meeting took place at Ivy Street Community Centre, Blackburn.

Residents heard updates from the Environment Agency, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and the site’s new owner Dennis Rogers.

The purpose of the meeting was to update people in the area on what has happened since the fires at the site in Paterson Street and next steps relating to the future of the site.

Speaking at the public meeting, Dennis Rogers, the new owner of site, said:

We have taken control of this site and are looking to submit a pre-planning application for a mixed-use development that will include affordable homes by the end of January.

There will be ongoing works to clear the site ahead of construction and we ask neighbours to bear with us whilst we do this necessary work.

Mr Rogers added:

This time next year we hope to have developed the first phase of the site which will provide a vast improvement for residents in the area who have had to put up with this eyesore for many years.

I would like to thank the residents who attended the meeting and for taking the time to come and listen and ask questions, I understand it’s been a difficult and uncertain time and hope this has given residents some much needed reassurances.

There is currently 24-hour security at the site and CCTV cameras have been positioned close to the site.

One resident asked if Mr Rogers would commit to employing local people when developing the site which Mr Rogers confirmed he was committed to doing and was seeking local contacts.

Chair of the meeting, Sayyed Osman, Director of Adults Services and Prevention, said:

We would like to thank Mr Rogers for taking the time to come and meet with residents and outline his vision for the future of the site. The Council and our other partners are committed to working with Mr Rogers to ensure this site is no longer a blight on the community and residents benefit from a positive development in the near future.

 

Neil Hardiman, Lancashire Fire and Rescue’s Service Delivery Manager, added:

Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service appreciate the ongoing support of the community and partners and also welcome the recent involvement of Mr Rogers.

We would also like to reassure residents that we regard this site as a potentially high risk premises and maintain a high level of planning and preparedness should further fires occur.

The fires at the site are being treated as suspicious and investigations are ongoing. If anybody has any information contact Police on 101.

This site uses cookies. Find out more about this site’s cookies.