A group of local mothers in Havering is ready to take legal action against the council due to repeated fires at a former landfill site. Clean Air in Havering is concerned about the council’s decision not to classify Arnold’s Field as contaminated, despite the land catching fire over 100 times in the last five years.
Soil analysis conducted in November 2023 revealed the presence of asbestos, plastic bags, crisp packets, bricks, cans, polystyrene, and asphalt on the land. The campaign group has enlisted the help of Mishcon de Reya, a law firm in London, to prepare a pre-action letter as a last resort.
Ruth Kettle-Frisby, one of the organizers of the campaign, expressed frustration over the situation, calling it “completely untenable” and emphasizing that the residents of Rainham feel neglected by the council. She highlighted the impact of the smoke on nearby schools, parks, and residents, stating that clean air is a public right that should not be dependent on one’s location.
Emily Nicholson, a partner at the law firm, pointed out that the decision not to designate the land as contaminated may have overlooked crucial factors related to health risks. She criticized the council for failing to follow proper guidelines for assessing the site’s contamination and its impact on the community’s well-being.
If the former landfill is officially labeled as contaminated land, the council and the Environment Agency will be obligated to clean it up. In response to the fires, the council had previously threatened legal action against the landowners, DMC (Essex) Limited, who have cited historic waste as the cause of the fires.
Clean Air in Havering has launched a Crowdjustice campaign to raise funds for their legal battle, with the goal of urging the council to reconsider its decision regarding the contaminated status of the land. The group hopes to avoid court proceedings by raising awareness and putting pressure on the council to address the public health emergency.
The council, on the other hand, has acknowledged the potential legal action but refrained from commenting further at this time. The London Fire Brigade has also expressed concerns about the fires, noting the distress they cause and the risks they pose to firefighters.
As the community continues to grapple with the recurring fires at the former landfill site, the campaign group remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice and accountability from the council. Residents are hopeful that their efforts will lead to a safer and healthier environment for all in Havering.
