Heavy-duty concrete fencing will be installed in a bid to prevent illegal bonfires being relit at a notorious waste burning spot at St Mary Cray, the local authority has announced.

Bromley Council revealed on Thursday it was in the process of installing barriers at the site off Star Lane in an effort to prevent further illegal fires in the area.

Cllr Kate Lymer, Bromley’s executive councillor for public protection and enforcement, confirmed investigations, aided by police and the Environment Agency, were continuing.

The news follows reports of larger scale burning of suspected commercial waste in previous months in the area, according to the council.

“We are aware of local concerns about this illegal burning and have dedicated resources to investigate this matter,” the ward member for Bickley said.

“Whilst we cannot always comment publicly about ongoing investigations, residents should know that we do take these reports seriously and will take action if appropriate and where we can.

“I do want to thank the police for their support, with this whole matter also being looked by the Environment Agency.”

Earlier this year Cllr Lymer said small back garden bonfires shouldn’t be confused with the site, where there have been known to be arson-related bonfires in the past.

“The burning of controlled waste is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990,” Bromley Council added in a statement.

“The lighting of bonfires however, whilst not illegal, can cause a statutory nuisance, and should officers witness an offence, the council can take action under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which could lead to prosecution.”