Key Facts
- Date and time of fire
- Saturday, August 1, at 4.17pm
- Location
- Factory Lane, Brantham, Suffolk
- Fire service response
- Four crews; stop called at 8.23pm
- Site history
- Operating since 1887; last manufacturing in 2007
- Years empty
- 17 years
- Parish council plea
- Urgent progress on development
Background
The derelict ICI factory site in Brantham, Suffolk, has lain empty for 17 years. The historical plastics and chemical plant began operating in 1887 and last saw manufacturing activity in 2007.
Despite approved plans that originally promised new jobs and economic investment, the site has remained undeveloped. It has instead become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and repeated fire incidents.
Current Situation
Four fire crews were called to the Factory Lane site at 4.17pm on Saturday, August 1. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets and covering jets to battle the flames, and a stop was called at 8.23pm.
Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the strong smell of smoke and burning in the area. The parish council expressed gratitude to Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service for responding swiftly and resolving the incident.
Parish clerk Sarah Keys said: 'We're concerned about the hot weather and how fires are more prevalent and everyone must stay safe.' She added that the council is 'disappointed that the economic development that was meant to happen due to an approved plan has never happened.'
Impacts
The repeated fires and anti-social behaviour at the site have become a problem for the local community. The parish council says that instead of the promised jobs and improvement, residents have seen nothing but fires and anti-social behaviour.
The latest fire caused a strong smell of smoke and burning in the area, prompting advice for residents to keep windows and doors closed. The hot weather conditions are a concern, as fires are more prevalent in such weather.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
The parish council is urging the organisations responsible for the site to find a way forward and allow development to finally take place. If progress is made, the site could deliver the economic benefits originally promised.
However, if the site continues to be left undeveloped, it may remain a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and further fire incidents. The council's message to the community is to be careful and follow advice given the unusual weather conditions.
Source: ipswichstar.co.uk
