FIREFIGHTERS were called to Salthouse Mills Industrial Estate to extinguish a fire - the second at the site in as many days.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to the blaze at 5.30pm on Sunday to put out a burning car seat, which was alight for 15 minutes.

Guy Davis runs architecture company Hiltongrove, which bought the derelict estate in 2018 with plans to turn it into a new area for business storage purposes.

He said: “We provided plans to Barrow Council to build a perimeter fence around the estate, but our plans were rejected. These plans restricted the area’s access and would have hindered other companies that still required a through route - so objections were made.

“However, our new plans are to be decided next week and we’re confident they will go through.

“We submitted redesigns of the fence, which will now be at 2.4 metres high and will help keep children out of the unsafe site.”

The smoke plume from the blaze was seen drifting towards Cavendish Dock, situated next to the industrial estate - and home to wildlife.

Eyewitness Chris Alderson, who lives nearby to the industrial estate on St Luke’s Avenue, spotted smoke coming from the area.

He said: “There is always a lot of kids messing around starting fires because the area is tucked away from the public view.

“It looked to be two car seats that were on fire, probably from an old car.

“I rent a space on Salthouse Mills and I’ve been told by my landlord it is to be all fenced off soon.”

While Hiltongrove awaits the council’s decision regarding improving the safety measures for the surrounding industrial estate, Mr Davis warned any parents to deter their children from the area.

He added: “There are hidden underground chambers, unstable burnt out properties and I fear noxious waste.

“As a father of three children I know it’s difficult to monitor their every move, but I strongly advise warning your kids of the dangers of Salthouse Mills.”