Clean-up operation begins on fire-hit Birmingham street

A clean-up operation has begun on a street where fire destroyed homes a week ago and ravaged the gardens of other properties.

Six homes on Gorleston Road in Warstock, Birmingham, were burnt down when flames broke out across the West Midlands last Thursday during hot weather.

Dozens of gardens backing on to council-owned Daisy Farm Park were also affected, raising fears of burlglaries due to a loss of boundary fencing, with residents reporting that unwanted visitors had wandered on to the scorched plots to take photographs.

People living on the street, which has a mix of privately-owned and council-leased properties, have since reported a flurry of activity by the local authority, although some have continued to express fears over space between the back of where they live and the park. The city council said operations would include securing its properties with fencing.

" A lot of the female residents have complained that people are wandering on to the back gardens and taking photographs, and it worries them a little bit with strangers," said Paul Coltman, who lost his outhouse which he used as a gym.

His house was untouched by the flames but his garden was completely devasted.

"The fascia and guttering on the side and the rear of the house have been completely melted," he said.

Resident Tina shared similar security fears, saying: "Anybody can come in and break into your house in the middle of the night."

Both, however, have said it is reassuring to see council clean-up efforts under way.

"It's been a big operation, there's been plenty of council workers," Coltman said.

"They've been very friendly and helpful, and they've cleared a lot more than I was expecting them to, so I'm happy with that."

The council said it was working to support community clean-ups and would help with the disposal of debris and waste, with its building control team securing council tenants' properties with fencing.

It said temporary fencing would be erected on Thursday, while affected residents continued to receive welfare support, emergency payments and help finding alternative accommodation.

Dave Miller, operations manager at waste depot Atlas Works in Tyseley, is leading the clean-up operation and said it was proof of what the council could achieve through collaboration.

"We've got the crushers down, tree surgeons, housing, parks, road maintenance and waste...they're doing a fantastic job."

Charred children's toys and dead animals were some of the things discovered in the aftermath of the clean up.

"It's just devastating for them, looking at what is left in their back gardens but it's nice we can give a little something back," he said.

Councillor Jane Baston said: "We want to reassure residents that council officers have been on the ground every day since the incident, working directly with those affected."

Assistance included £200 supermarket vouchers, clothing and toiletries, she said.

Baston added: "We have been overwhelmed by the strength of community support shown in recent days and have worked closely with local organisations and volunteers to coordinate donations for those most in need.

"We would like to thank everyone who has offered their help, we have had so much that we have had to ask for no more donations."

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