A fire chief today warned that fly-tippers are putting people's lives at risk.

West Yorkshire Community Fire Safety Assistant, Divisional Officer Keith Robinson, said in the past 12 months firefighters have been called out to 2,400 rubbish fires across the city.

He spoke out to back residents of Kershaw Street, Bradford Moor, who are desperate to clear rubbish from the end of their road.

They have contacted Bradford Council's cleansing department regularly to get the rubbish moved but they claim their efforts have been in vain.

Resident Joan Wooton, 62, claimed to have rung the Council's cleansing department three times asking for action.

"Children used to play here but they can't now because it's too dangerous."

Neighbour Jimmy Davey, 57, said: "The problem is that no sooner will the Council get it cleaned up than the rubbish will be back again. I've seen cars pull up with black bags and dump them."

Bradford Moor ward councillor Mohammod Islam blames new Council charges for removing large items for worsening the flytipping problem.

He said: "The Council must know where flytipping areas are so they should do regular spot-checks to keep them clear."

Mr Robinson said the fire service was working much closer than before with the Council to get rubbish removed, but said he was worried someone would get hurt because of irresponsible fly-tippers.

He warned: "Two settees make a great den for kids and what happens if a gang of youths comes along and sets fire to it out of mischief, not knowing a child is in it? It hasn't happened yet but it could.

"That's why we'd ask anyone who is tempted to dump settees or anything like that to just go along to their local waste tip or ring the Council who will come and take it away."

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "In response to concerns raised by residents about fly-tipping near Kershaw Street, a Council cleansing team will be going out to clear the rubbish this week.

"We would ask people to report any incidents of fly-tipping to the cleansing department on 01274 431000.

"As part of our bulk collection service the Council will remove up to five large items such as sofas, or ten bin bags free of charge."

For collection of more than five items, there is a charge.