Closure order served at illegal waste site in Great Harwood

Police have served a closure order at an illegal waste site in Great Harwood.

The order prevents anybody entering or remaining on land at The Oaks on Meadow Street for the next three months.

Officers went onto the site yesterday (7th July) with partners to serve the order and ensure it was fully complied with. There were no incidents of any note.

The closure order was sought after numerous concerns were raised about illegal activity on the site, with significant impact being felt by the local community due to the illegal burning of waste. By working closely with partners, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Hyndburn Borough Council and the Environment Agency, we were able to take legal action.

The order, under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, was initially granted at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on 18th February. However, it was postponed after the respondent was granted leave to appeal. That appeal was heard by a Judge at Preston Crown Court on Friday and was refused.

ACC Stasia Osiowy, of Lancashire Police said: “I welcome the granting of this closure order which is the right outcome for a community which has been affected for a long period of time by illegal activity from a set of individuals who believe the law doesn’t apply to them.

“I fully understand the frustration felt by local residents and businesses who were impacted by illegal activity sometimes on a daily basis. We have been working hard with our partners behind the scenes to bring a resolution to this issue, however we have not always been able to talk about it publicly.

“I hope the serving of this closure order today and our presence at the site yesterday reassures the public that where we identify criminal behaviour of any kind we will work with our partners to bring it to an end.”

The action is part of Op Centurion, which is a county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour, led by Lancashire Constabulary and backed by the Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, delivering his Fighting Crime Plan priority of getting tough on anti-social behaviour, with the support of our partners.

Mr Grunshaw said: “The closure of this site marks a significant and long overdue step forward for the local community. Residents have endured persistent anti-social behaviour, criminality, and disruption linked to this location and I commend the coordinated efforts of Lancashire Constabulary and our partners in taking decisive action.

"This outcome demonstrates the power of partnership and the importance of listening to residents’ concerns, who have campaigned tirelessly for action. Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and Operation Centurion is delivering real results by holding offenders to account and restoring confidence in our communities. I want to thank everyone involved in bringing this case to court and securing this outcome. It sends a clear message that we will not tolerate those who flout the law and put public safety at risk.”

If you witness any anti-social behaviour or incidents, residents are urged to report them promptly. For non-emergency situations please call 101 or visit LancashireTacklingASB.co.uk to find the most appropriate authority to report your concerns. In an emergency, please call 999.