'Accident waiting to happen' slams Mansfield councillor at former factory site following fire

A fire broke out at Savanna Rags – the Mansfield recycling textile business – on Forest Road off Nottingham Road on Saturday, March 18.

At its height, more than 100 firefighters from 16 crews across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire were tackling it.

Following the fire, the firm announced its immediate closure.

But in July 2023 – your Chad revealed that Savanna Trading was “re-siting” to an existing unit on Maunside Industrial Estate.

This move came after the company were granted planning permission for the construction of a covered area and storage containers.

Despite this update, more than four months after the fire, residents said there is uncleared rubbish and debris obstructing the area.

Councillor Andre Camilleri, representative for Berry Hill at Mansfield Council, said the partially demolished site is an “accident waiting to happen”.

He said: “This mess has been left for nearly five months since the fire.

“It is not only a blot on the landscape but it's obstructing the highway and pavement on a very dangerous road.

“Something needs to be done quickly before someone gets injured.

“Why should our residents have to put up with looking at this building and all the rubbish?

“I have invited Councillor Ben Bradley MP to view the site next week to see what he can do to help.

“Both county and district councils are doing their best to get the owners of the building to get the site cleared.

“It is the company's sole responsibility to get it sorted and cleared, but they are not taking any notice.”

Addressing concerns of health and safety, a Mansfield Council spokesperson said: “The council acted quickly with partners since the incident to carry out emergency clean-ups and make the site safe to be handed back to the owners.

“The responsibility for further demolition and clearance sits with them.

“We understand from Savanna Rags that they are in discussion with licensed contractors to carry out the demolition and clearance work.

“We will continue to give advice where it is needed.

“This is so work is carried out in accordance with health, safety and environmental regulations.”

Savanna Rags International has commented on the delays.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Savanna Rags has conscientiously engaged licensed and accredited contractors to oversee the meticulous demolition of our site.

“Initially scheduled to commence on the June 26, 2023, this endeavour was accompanied by the distribution of informative leaflets to the

neighbouring residents, explaining the upcoming demolition process.

“Regrettably, an unanticipated delay has occurred due to unforeseen complications.

“These challenges, involving matters of health and safety as well as environmental concerns, unfortunately fall beyond our purview.

“It is essential to emphasize that we are steadfast in our commitment to the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental regulations.

“We wish to assure our community that we are working in close collaboration with our contracted demolition company.

“As well as relevant regulatory authorities, to address these concerns and ascertain a viable initiation date for the site's clean-up process.

“While acknowledging the unsightly impact our site's current state has had on the local landscape.

“We remain unwavering in our dedication to ensuring a comprehensive and regulatory-compliant demolition of the site.

“Throughout this period, Savanna Rags has upheld constant communication with the Mansfield Council.

“We extend our gratitude to them for their consistent support and invaluable guidance as we navigate through these intricate matters.

“We have received no correspondence from Coun Andre Camilleri in relation to the incident, its aftermath, or the ensuing clean-up process.

“Despite these challenges, our resolve remains resolute.

“The fire's grievous impact on our operations necessitated extraordinary and tireless efforts to recuperate from the loss of facilities, inventory,

equipment, and the subsequent relocation.

“This, regrettably, led to the downsizing of our workforce by two-thirds.

“We have diligently ensured that the Forest Road site adheres to the necessary health and safety standards during this interim period.

“This commitment shall endure until the demolition process can commence.

“We acknowledge with sincere regret any inconvenience that the delay in the site's demolition may have caused.

“Please rest assured that Savanna Rags International is diligently pursuing every avenue to swiftly rectify this situation.

We thank you for your continued understanding and support during these challenging times.”