INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into activities at a yard that was the site of a huge fire.

In May, a ferocious blaze broke out at Shutts Yard, which had been packed dangerously full with more than 100 old fridges, appliances and other items.

Fire crews battled for more than two hours to tackle the fire, which could be seen across the skies of Darlington.

Soon after the incident, Darlington Borough Council confirmed investigations at the yard – which situated close to residential properties, businesses and vehicles – had been on-going for months prior to the fire.

Residents in neighbouring homes told The Northern Echo that goods in the yard had been building up for a considerable amount of time before the fire broke out.

They also claimed fire engines had been seen there on previous occasions.

Then, the council said they had been investigating anti-social activities at the yard since August 2016.

The investigations had been prompted following concerns raised by surrounding businesses.

Prior to the blaze, the tenants occupying flats associated with the yard had been served with community protection notices forbidding them to have fires in the shared space.

This week, a council spokesman said: “The Council and Environment Agency are continuing to work together to investigate and monitor the activities in the shared yard since the fire.

“On our most recent visit, the number of items in the yard had reduced.

"There is no sign of further items having been left in the yard since the fire.”