Lib Dems GLA Member calls on action to be taken over Launders Lane toxic fires at Mayor’s Question Time.

Calls were made on Wednesday 17 January, at Mayor’s Question Time for action to be taken to tackle the toxic fire and an illegal dumping site on Launders Lane in Rainham that has been burning on and off for 20 years.

Hina Bokhari, a Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member and Environment Spokesperson raised the issue with Sadiq Khan, calling on him to place pressure on Havering Council and the Environment Agency to remediate the site in Rainham, as well as support remediation work with financial backing if necessary.

The battle to stop the fires which burn routinely over summer have led local residents to complain of nosebleeds, problems breathing, coughing fits and even burns from the ground which they claim are caused by toxic fumes coming from the fires.

The London Fire Brigade has attended over 70 fires at the site since 2018 and the LFB have stated that the site poses a significant risk to its firefighters due to its unstable nature. According to Assembly Member Bokhari, this is reason enough for the Mayor and GLA to take a direct interest. 

Responsibility for the remediation of the site has been complicated by ownership changes as well the fact that the site is currently considered part of the Green Belt despite its toxic nature, limiting potential redevelopment options unless an exception is granted. 

Commenting Hina Bokhari AM said:

“When I visited this site late last year, I was truly shocked what I saw. This fire is no doubt a major health hazard in the area. Air pollution of this kind could have serious long-term impacts on people living in the area, especially young children, many of whom have to stay indoors when the fires are burning.

“It may only be January, but summer will come around fast and residents will be faced with the impact of months of fires yet again if this issue is not tackled. We cannot allow human health to continue to be placed at risk like this.

“We also cannot continue to expect London’s firefighters to continue to put their lives at risk tackling fires at this site year in year out when the problem is resolvable.

“While I appreciate that this issue primarily lies with Havering Council, I’m worried the financial position of that Council will mean that this issue continues to be ignored.

“Given his previous statements on the importance of clean air for all Londoners, I am glad to see the Mayor is now using his convening power to bring together the key players. I would also like the Mayor to commit to backing the remediation of the site with financial support if the situation comes to it so that this problem is solved once and for all.”

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