Penkridge traveller camp blaze raises rubbish concerns
This was sight of a caravan and rubbish fire at a traveller camp in a Staffordshire village.
Flames from the blaze in Lyne Hill Lane in Penkridge could be seen from the A449 Stafford Road shortly before 11am yesterday.
Staffordshire Police said the fire, which was attended by firefighters from the village and Cannock, was started deliberately.
It prompted police to report the matter to the Environment Agency.
Village councillors, who will discuss the blaze at tonight's Penkridge Parish Council meeting, have also raised concerns over rubbish left at the camp.
Parish councillor Bevan Craddock said there were long-running issues regarding the site ,which is situated next to the Wolverhampton to Crewe railway line.
He said: "I drove pass and saw flashing blue lights and two fire engines there, but I didn't know what was going on. There were a lot of blokes in yellow jackets standing there in yellow jackets and litter strewn all over the site."
He added: "There have been problems ever since the travellers moved onto the land several years ago.
"They moved on without permission, then were given temporary consent which has since run out.
"There have been all sorts of issues involving the councils and the Government. There is a lot of history to this site.
"There have also been issues between traveller groups. The whole thing has been causing mayhem.
"The Environment Agency ought to get involved because the litter is a health hazard and it looks awful."
