Firefighters called to Birtenshaw farm after youth set another fire

Fire crews were called to the old Birtenshaw Farm in Bromley Cross on Thursday night and Friday night, the fifth time.

And frustrated residents are bracing themselves for more such fires.

Now they are working with police to catch those responsible.

One resident, who did not want to be identified, said: “There are lads and girls, sometimes up to 30, and when they are there, you just think well they are teenagers.

“But now they have started setting fires, and vandalising property and that is not right.

“Thursday’s was the worst incident we had, there was black smoke billowing out."

(Fire on Friday night)

On Friday, residents reported fire crews on the scene for more than two hours, normally they are there for less than an hour, they said.

The resident added: “Once it was a small bonfire but then it started getting much bigger and we had to call the fire service.

“When they hear the sirens, they run off and then some go back to watch the fire service put it out."

Neighbours say that the buildings on the land have been secured a number of times, and are hoping CCTV may have been installed in a bid to deter and catch those setting the fires.

The local police team are aware of it, say residents, and are working to do what they can to crack down on the nuisance and danger caused by the young people.

Residents are hoping that the area is developed soon to keep out the vandals. It is understood planning applications have been put in for the land.

The fire service have previously told The Bolton News that deliberate nuisance fire tie up vital resources so crews are unable to attend other incidents.

Youths causing annoyance have plagued the Bromley Cross and Harwood area in recent years, with an old garden and clubhouse attracting young arsonists regularly. The situation in Harwood became so serious that fire crews went as far as to send letters to parents.