DESPITE repeated assurances that no fires or burning of waste material takes place on a demolition contractor's site at the Stanhope Industrial Estate near Stanford-le-Hope, video evidence broadcast live by Thurrock Nub News in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday, 19 January) shows it is still happening.

In September Thurrock Nub News visited the site late in the evening and witnessed what appeared to be a managed fire at the site of Squibb Demolition.

It was one of a number of evenings when fires were recorded at the site – which are not permitted under the planning restrictions that the company has to adhere to.

In the wake of our visit the company's company's Robert Honour vehemently denied that the company was illegally burning waste.

He said the fire was actually started by intruders into the site.

You can read Mr Honour's comments via the link.

He assured Thurrock Nub News that the company did not burn materials on the site.

However, local residents have repeatedly informed Thurrock Nub News that it continues to happen and have furnished pictures to us of the fires. Plumes of acrid smoke have drifted across to nearby houses in recent night.

This morning, alerted that another fire had been started, Thurrock Nub news editor Neil Speight visited the estate at 1.30am and witnessed the fire. No emergency vehicles were in attendance, nor police and it did not appear there had been any breach of security.

The area around Squibb's yard is sealed off with high security fencing and a barrier on the access road prevents anyone getting near the yard where materials are stacked and the burning was taking place.

However, it was clear the fire was being managed by staff on site and vehicles were being used.

Thurrock Nub News has previously asked Thurrock Council why it has not taken enforcement action against the company in the light of evidence furnished by residents and had no reply.

Our film will be made available to the council and we will also be asking Squibb to comment.