COPELAND Council has condemned those responsible for repeatedly setting alight bags of household waste that are awaiting collection.
On two separate occasions over the past two weeks, a number of bags have been deliberately set alight at a collection point at Lamb Lane, Egremont.
The council’s Waste Operatives have been forced to clear up the remnants of the burned bags and the contents that had spilled out.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “In normal circumstances, this sort of behaviour is unacceptable. But while we’re all in the midst of a pandemic crisis, it is absolutely unthinkable.
“Aside from the inherent danger that starting a fire poses to residents, passers-by, and the environment, it is particularly irresponsible at the present time to intentionally release household waste into the atmosphere.
“Our Waste Operatives are doing a tremendous job in incredibly difficult circumstances, and it is absolutely unacceptable that their job is made more difficult – and dangerous – by mindless acts like this.”
