A council has said it is working closely with the Environment Agency, police, and fire service after receiving multiple calls about alleged illegal burning in a town.

Residents in Great Harwood say they are at their “wits end” over a scrapyard on Meadow Street which is allegedly burning “extremely toxic materials”, sending plumes of smoke into the atmosphere.

According to one resident, fire crews have been out to the scrap yard, but nothing has been done to rectify the smoke or the smell.

Lancashire Telegraph: The smog in Great HarwoodThe smog in Great Harwood (Image: Public)

The resident, who did not wish to be named, said on Monday: “The scrapyard on Meadow Street has been burning extremely toxic materials since Friday - this is like we are back to square one with the situation after having to put up with it for years before.

“I have called the fire service on several occasions on advice from my local councillor but apparently, it’s only an issue if enough people complain about it.

“Why are they not being stopped? Why are the organisations with the powers not stepping in and resolving this? I thought I lived in a smoke control zone?

“I’m just at my wits end with nobody doing a thing about it.

“They have been burning all summer too and have really stepped it up again over the weekend.

“The station manager from the local fire station went out to it twice and just looked at it.”

The resident said she had contacted Hyndburn Council as well as Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe, and on Tuesday the council moved to reassure people living in the area that they were dealing with the issue.

Lancashire Telegraph: The smog in Great HarwoodThe smog in Great Harwood (Image: public)

A spokesperson from Hyndburn Council said: “We have received a number of enquiries regarding concerns about smoke in the Great Harwood area.

“We would like to reassure residents that we are working in close partnership with The Environment Agency, Lancashire Fire and Rescue and Lancashire Constabulary to address these concerns.

“If you can smell or see smoke in the proximity, please keep your windows and doors closed.

“If you/your business need to dispose of waste always use a licenced operator. This can help to reduce the fuel available and prevent future issues.

“Failure to use a licenced operator can lead to a fine, people are responsible for their own waste disposal.

“If smoke/a fire is causing a pollution concern, but there is not a threat to life or property, you can report this directly to us.

“We will work in partnership with the Environment Agency to bring about any necessary action.

“If there is an immediate risk to property or life due to fire please call 999 and ask for the fire service.”