Mystery over fires started on public land in Ludlow

Firefighters were called to put out a makeshift bonfire on Gallows Bank, a green area surrounded by housing on the eastern side of Ludlow, for the second time in as many weeks after Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North, once again discovered the fire-starters while walking his dog.

Both discoveries took place just after dark between 6.30pm and 6.45pm, the first on March 2, the second on Thursday. On the first occasion there was one man tending the fire, on the second occasion two, Councillor Boddington said, but in both cases they ran away when challenged.

He has reported the matter to the police and is asking if anyone knows who has been starting the fires and why they are doing it.

Councillor Boddington said he felt a sense of déjà vu as he discovered the similar scene on Gallows Bank while out with his dog, just eight days after the first incident.

But whereas the first time the fire had just started, this time it was well ablaze, he said. "Two men in beanie hats were feeding it with branches. As we approached, they ran off.

"I don't know what is happening here.

"It seems some rubbish is being burnt but the guys responsible were also piling on branches.

"This was not a big fire and it won't spread at this time of the year. The landscape is far too wet. But these fires are damaging an area that is a public amenity and wildlife area.

"As this is the second incident I have seen, I will report it to our local West Mercia Police team.

"Thanks again to our fire and rescue team for turning out to extinguish the fire. Their resources could be better used that dealing with idiotic fires like this."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101.