CONCERN is growing after fire crews were called to a blaze in Charford - the fourth incident in the space of a week.

Firefighters had to tackle a skip fire in Gilbert Road, near the new Co-op store, at 9.40pm last Wednesday.

They flooded the skip to extinguish the flames and sprayed the side of the Co-op store with water to cool it down and prevent the fire from spreading.

The blaze follows on from three incidents in the same night on September 22, when again a skip was set alight, as well as a wheelie bin and a fence.

A worried resident from nearby Gilbert Court said: "This is very concerning. After last week's incidents I thought the police were going to increase patrols in the area but that must not have been put into place yet. Something needs to be done because it won't be long before it gets out of control."

Councillor Sean Shannon, (Lab-Charford), said: "This does concern me and I can understand people's worries. Due to the refurbishment of the new Co-op store there have been skips near the shop that have provided the opportunity for idiots to set fires.

"This is very dangerous as fire can quickly get out of control. It is something I will definitely investigate and talk to the police about."

Michelle Caldicott, beat manager for Charford, said: "We had some reports of disorder in Gilbert Road at the end of September and our investigations into these incidents are on-going. Local officers are aware of the situation and we will be continuing with increased patrols in the area.

"We understand the impact that this type of anti-social behaviour can have on the quality of life of those living nearby and it is an issue we treat seriously."

christopher.flavell@midlands.

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