A FIRE officer has issued a warning after being called out eight times in a week to the same place to put out rubbish fires.

A small area of private land behind Close House Working Men's Club is being used as a dumping ground for disused tyres and car parts, which are often set alight.

Residents have called the fire service eight times between Wednesday, June 6, and last Monday during the evening and early hours.

District manager for Bishop Auckland fire station Steve Owers went to a meeting with Wear Valley District Council on Monday night at Prince Bishops Community Primary School, in Coundon Grange, to appeal for help.

He said: "Fire appliances are being used for these arson attacks that could be used for much more serious fires where people are in danger.

"The fires have taken place at all hours of the night, and we must warn the individuals who are causing the fires to stop, because it is using resources unnecessarily.

"We are currently working with the police and environmental health officers to find a way to resolve this issue.

"We haven't had any call-outs in the past few days, but this is probably only due to the wet weather."

Residents from Stanley Street, in Close House, said they are terrified to leave their homes.

"It really is getting out of hand - it's ridiculous and a huge waste of useful fire resources," said one resident who did not want to be named. "I'm sick of having to call the fire brigade every time it happens.

"My neighbours and I are scared of stepping out of our homes in case the individuals who are causing the fires attack us."

Susan Dodds, a bar assistant at Close House Working Men's Club, said: "It is disgraceful that these fires keep happening. "It is annoying the staff here and customers, as it is right behind the club. We really are sick of it as it's happening at all hours of the night."

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Police on 0845-60-60-365.