By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
Communal areas around parts of Stapleford are to cleared of discarded rubbish and overflowing bins to stop further arson attacks.
A fire broke out in a bin store Braddon Avenue on Tuesday, January 18, and had to be contained by firefighters.
Cllr Richard MacRae (Ind), vice chair of the community safety committee, raised the issue on Thursday, January 20.
He told the committee: “Following a recent incident in Stapleford involving a knife and then the more recent arson attack on a property, I am very concerned about the amount of rubbish in the communal areas in the council properties around the estate such as Melbourne Road, the Crescent and Ilkeston Road in Stapleford.
“Having spoken to the police, the fire brigade and now the local housing officer I have firstly asked that with a matter of urgency we visit all the communal areas in the mentioned areas.
“People simply can’t afford to pay to have bulky items taken away so store them in the communal areas, under the stairs and in the outhouses; this is creating a fire hazard.
“This was proven following the recent arson attack in Stapleford on Tuesday evening. Luckily no-one was hurt but we could easily be sitting here talking about a different matter.
“Alleyways are blocked with rubbish and overgrown hedges as well.”
He has called for an organised day or week of action, which was supported by other councillors and the chief executive sitting on the committee.
The new police inspector for Broxtowe, Mike Ebbins, told the committee: “I think – crack on with it.
“Last Tuesday night it was a litter bin and it could have been far worse, but it wasn’t, thankfully. If the bins were not like that, then perhaps it did give them an opportunity to it.”
