THE owners of a woodchipping site which has suffered two huge industrial fires in five months have been ordered to improve security.

The timber reclamation site in Hoe Lane, on the Birchwood Industrial Estate, burned for more than three weeks after being set on fire in May, covering the surrounding area in a haze of smoke and ash. At the peak of the fire, over a hundred tonnes of wood were alight.

Nearby residents, worried about the effect of the fumes on their health, wore protective masks and pleaded with the council to take action.

An investigation found the fire was started deliberately. No arrests have been made.

Following a special meeting between Epping Forest District Council (EFDC), the Environment Agency, NHS West Essex and the Health and Safety Executive, an improvement notice was issued to site owners Scott and Scott.

The Guardian understands the company has been ordered to erect a security fence around the site by September 7.

Scott and Scott could face prosecution if the order is ignored.

Resident Liz Lawrence greeted the news with caution.

She said: “It’s good that someone is finally listening to residents and we’re all happy to know that the petition we put together against the site has been noted.

“I think putting up a fence will help, but I don’t know if it will stop the fires. It’s certainly better than then saying they aren’t going to do anything at all.

“What we really need is the continued monitoring of the site after the fence has gone up. If they can do that, it would certainly help put all our minds at rest.

”In a letter to residents, John Gilbert, EFDC’S director of environment, said: “We do understand the genuine concerns of residents, however we have to work within the legal framework as it currently stands, even if that appears not to provide the solution that residents would prefer .”