A rash of arson attacks in the same Bingley street have left residents worried for their safety after flames from a burning wheelie bin reached roof height.
And they fear those involved are addicted to causing trouble after three blazes in one week – despite the presence of new police CCTV cameras.
Dubb Lane is a short road which runs past the old Lilycroft Mills site.
Closed to cars at the lower end, it is a popular shortcut in and out of town for those who live across the bypass.
Resident Phillip Marsden said that made it a constant target for night-time vandalism and now for arsonists.
He said a CCTV camera was installed at the start of this month, but its lack of effect was evident last week.
“The first fire was a small one last Monday, just waste paper and a wooden pallet, then on Tuesday someone set the council rubbish bin alight at the end of the lane.
“A police officer knocked at our door to get water and put it out,” said Mr Marsden. “But the worst was on Friday when a green wheelie-bin was rolled right next to an empty house and set on fire. I could see the flames out of my upstairs bedroom window and they were as high as the roof.
“It was really worrying because window frames were badly scorched and the whole place could have gone up.And that happened at 6.30pm.”
Mr Marsden said a fire crew from Keighley put out the blaze, but there was no sign of any police.
“I thought the CCTV with all the signage would help cut down damage to cars and vandalism, but with this arson it just seems to getting more audacious.”
He said residents wanted the lane to be blocked off to pedestrians.
Neighbour Kim Clarke is registered disabled and said her Renault Clio parked in a disabled bay was often attacked by vandals.
“It’s been scratched all over and had its lights smashed. Drunks just come down at night and think it’s funny to break off wing mirrors or even run right over cars,” she said.
Bingley ward councillor David Heseltine said: “This has been going on for some time, but the CCTV is installed and so the issue is catching the miscreants responsible and prosecuting them.”
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