‘Enough Is Enough’: MP Demands Public Health Emergency After Latest Rainham Launders Lane Fire.
Margaret Mullane MP has called for a Public Health Emergency to be considered following the latest major fire at the Launders Lane landfill site, saying local residents have suffered for far too long and describing the situation as “misery” for families living nearby.
The Dagenham and Rainham MP has launched a series of urgent calls for action after another major fire broke out at Arnolds Field, Launders Lane, sending thick smoke across Rainham and forcing residents to shut their windows and doors during the ongoing heatwave.
In an exclusive statement to the Havering Daily, Margaret said she was “angry and disappointed” that the landowner had failed to cooperate with Havering Council over measures that could have helped reduce the risk of underground fires.
“Yet another major fire at Arnolds Field, Launders Lane threatening the health and wellbeing of local residents. The advice to close windows and doors to minimise exposure to the smoke pollution when we are experiencing a heatwave just piles on the misery for local people.”
The MP revealed she has yesterday written to the Environment Agency calling for a fresh review into why Arnolds Field was not included on the list of England’s most problematic landfill sites.
“I am so angry and disappointed that the landowner failed to cooperate with the Council to let them apply the hydro mulch compound that should have reduced the threat of underground fires.”
She continued:
“I have today written to the Environment Agency calling for a reappraisal of why Arnolds Field was omitted from the list of England’s top problem landfill sites.”
Ms Mullane has also contacted Havering Council’s senior officers to ask whether a Public Health Emergency could be declared and what additional powers this might give the Council in tackling the ongoing crisis.
“I have also emailed Havering’s senior officers to enquire about declaring a Public Health Emergency and asked what additional powers this might give the Council to act.”
The MP is now calling for an urgent meeting of all the key organisations involved in tackling the repeated fires.
“In addition to this I have called upon the new Leader of Havering Council to urgently arrange the multi-agency task group, that together with the Council includes the Environment Agency, London Fire Brigade, the GLA and me.”
“This is needed so that we can understand the Council’s plans and work together to stop the fires that are ruining the lives of people in Rainham.”
The latest fire saw eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters battle the blaze throughout the night after piles of waste caught alight at the Launders Lane site.
For residents living nearby, the fire is the latest in a series of incidents that have left many feeling frustrated, with smoke, ash and the smell of burning waste once again affecting homes across the area.
Many residents have told the Havering Daily they fear the fires have become an annual occurrence during periods of hot weather and are urging all agencies involved to find a permanent solution before another blaze breaks out.
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