A FIRE crew are warning home-owners an businesses to take responsibility of their waste after they attended an incident involving a large industrial bin which was on fire.

On Monday, January 24 at 9:30pm, four firefighters from Barrow Fire and Rescue with one fire appliance were called to a bin on fire at the rear of Preston Street and Cavendish Street in Barrow town centre.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service are now appealing for business and property owners to store waste correctly and to ensure the bins are only put out on the day of collection,

A Cumbria Fire and Rescue service spokesman said: "On arrival crews found a large industrial bin on fire with waste from one of the businesses in the area. This was extinguished by firefighters using two Hose Reel Jets.

"The risk was high as the bin was up against the rear of Preston Street Workingmen’s club and a shop.

"A number of youths were seen running from the scene following the fire and the area has had an increase in Anti-Social behaviour.

"We would like to warn local business owners and property owners within the town centre to take responsibility for their waste and make sure its in secure containers and only put out on the day of collection.

"Ensure that the bins are not left up against a building and to report any anti social behaviour to Cumbria/Barrow Police via 101 or Crime Stoppers.

"We are working closely with Barrow Brough Council, Barrow Police, Street Care and local councillors to reduce the risk to communities."

Last year saw an increase of bin fires in the community and Barrow Council sent a warning across the borough to try and tackle this problem.

This year has already seen a number of deliberate wheelie bin fires in Harrison Street, Marsden Street and Rawlinson Street causing smoke to enter properties and the bin to disintegrate.

Residents were asked to retrieve their bins as soon as possible after their waste has been collected.