RESIDENTS in Whitton are today demanding drastic action to deal with a pile of discarded tyres in woodlands which were set on fire.

RESIDENTS in Whitton are today demanding drastic action to deal with a pile of discarded tyres in woodlands which were set on fire.

The fire on Sunday night around 7pm sent black smoke billowing over north west Ipswich. Those living in the area are now not only concerned that the rubbish left will become a haven for troublemakers but also worry about the effect the blaze has had on the environment.

Crews from Princes Street, Colchester Road, and Needham Market were called to the woods next to the BMX cycle track in Whitton Church Lane and took an hour to tackle the inferno. They then contacted environmental health officials at Ipswich Borough Council following concerns about air pollution.

Allison Whyborn, chairman of the Whitton Residents' Association, said: “The tyres have been there for years but this is the first big fire I have known about. My worry is that the kids are going to know they are there now and there will be more fires.

“There are foxes there and other wildlife.

“We live on the edge of the countryside-let's not start contaminating it.”

Shaun Collins, 38, of Whitton Church Lane, who took some pictures of the dramatic blaze, said: “These firefighters lives are being put in danger and it is also bad for the environment. The land is greenbelt and there are bluebells as well as wildlife. There is a stream that runs through that wood that leads to the River Gipping so goodness knows what damage has been done.

“I have been onto the council and they say they cannot do anything about it unless there are rodents there.

“It's an absolute eyesore. There are more than 1,000 tyres there. Someone needs to take responsibility and remove them.”

It is believed the tyres are on private land.

A spokeswoman for the borough council said: “We are aware of the problem and are investigating - but cannot say any more at this time.”