An Alsager councillor has issued a plea to whoever is starting fires on land behind Cardway Cartons near Talke Road allotments to stop before a major incident occurs.

Councillor June Buckley says she was out walking her dogs at the weekend when when she heard loud bangs followed by big plumes of smoke.

She believes someone is dumping fridges and setting them alight to burn away the contents to leave metal to then sell on to scrap merchants.

Cllr Buckley said: "I called the fire service on Saturday as all I could see was large plumes of smoke.

"This has happened on several occasions and my worry is what is being released into the atmosphere?

"It's dangerous as there are trees nearby which could catch fire. It's also not good for the environment. What is being released into the air?"

One local resident said on Social Media: " I live at Linley and was in my garden when this latest fire started.

"There was a great booming noise and an unbelievable cloud of thick black smoke with a real stink.

"There are frequently fires from this location (which I have previously reported) but I think this is probably the worst so far."

Cllr Buckley added: "I called the fire service who attended very promptly and I've also notified environmental health at Cheshire East.

"If you see fires here please call the fire service. Toxious substances are being emitted into the atmosphere."

Cheshire Fire and Rescue confirmed they attended a fire in Linley Road on Saturday morning.

A spokesperson said: "The fire was allowed to burn with the crew cooling the surrounding area with a hose reel jet to prevent fire spread."