Scrapyard blighted by complaints ordered to close

The site on Meadow Street, Great Harwood, has been subject to various complaints

A scrapyard has been temporarily shut down by police amid complaints about anti-social behaviour and nuisance fires.

Judge Guy Mathieson granted a full closure order for the site on Meadow Street in Great Harwood, Lancashire, for three months including forcing its residents off the land.

He rejected an appeal by the owner of the yard.

Following the judge's decision Lancashire Police said it had moved in to secure the site, which has for many years been subject to complaints from the community.

Previous enforcement orders at the site have failed to stop the unlawful activity including illegal waste collection and fires.

The court order confirmed on Friday bans anyone from entering or remaining on the site for three months from 4 July at the risk of arrest, imprisonment or a fine.

Owner Mary Smith argued in court the order would make her and her family homeless, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

In April 2020, Mrs Smith was declared bankrupt following a petition from Hyndburn Council.

Judge Mathieson's closure order allows more than 100 officials from the police, council, RSPCA and Environment Agency to move in for a large scale operation to secure the site and prevent occupants from access.

Mrs Smith has been approached for comment while Hyndburn Council declined to respond.