A FURNITURE firm in Bradford is being investigated by Bradford Council for illegal burning.

The authority has received complaints about Oakforest Interiors burning materials in the open air.

Residents living nearby have complained about the smell caused by fires at the company in Cooper Lane, Clayton Heights.

A spokesman for Bradford Council said: "We are aware of complaints about this company, relating to the burning of materials in the open air.

"The matter is being investigated by the Environmental Enforcement Officer. It is an offence to treat, keep or dispose of controlled waste in an unauthorised manner or in a manner likely to cause pollution to the environment or harm to human health.

"Those found guilty of such offences can be liable: (a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding £50,000 or both; or (b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or a fine or both."

Councillor Paul Cromie (Ind, Queensbury) said: "It is an ongoing thing, a long-standing complaint. It produces acrid smoke in the area.

"It has been reported to the Council by us and by local people."

One resident, who lives nearby, accused the company of burning wood in a skip in the car park filling the air with grey smoke.

The day before, more burning forced the resident to close house windows "as the smell gets in the bedroom and it smells like you have had a fire in it".

The resident also said they had seen a skip on fire at about 8.20pm one day, and added it was the fourth year they had suffered problems related to the company burning materials outside.

Bash Khan, manager at Oakforest Interiors, declined to comment to the Telegraph & Argus over the burning complaint but said the firm was intending to relocate to the former Thornbury baths building.

However, that project was being delayed because of a planning dispute caused by a decision to remove a 'valley' between two sections of sloping roof at the back of the Grade II Listed building.

Mr Khan said the firm had been ordered to stop work until the issue was resolved, but in the meantime there had been a break-in at the premises, where copper piping installed for a new heating system had been ripped out.

The architect working on the Thornbury baths conversion was now working towards a solution, he added.