MP speaks out on rise in North Notts agricultural fires

Sherwood’s conservative MP Mark Spencer says he is looking to address the recent spike in agricultural fires across the north of the county.

It follows several straw fires on the area’s farmland, along with a huge fire at an industrial facility in Walesby.

Mr Spencer said: “We’re not sure whether it’s one individual or a group of reckless people, but it’s worth noting this causes damage to the environment, you’re endangering people’s livelihoods in terms of agriculture, and worst of all you’re putting in danger the lives of the firemen who have to try and put these fires out.”

An investigation into the incident in Walesby is now underway, as the unit which burned for more than a week didn’t have authority from the environment agency to store waste. The fire was burning for more than a week, and fumes thought to be caused by burning plastic could be detected from miles around.

Mr Spencer says he’s spoken to the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council on the matter: “I think that we need to track down people who are storing illegal waste.

“Often it’s left with the landlords to deal with the mess, and I want to see the council and the environment agency taking these people to task.”

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