MP demands probe into blaze at recycling firm

8:22pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008

THE Environment Agency is to investigate the cause of a huge fire at recycling firm, Armstrong Environmental.

MP Ruth Kelly had demanded the government agency examined what sparked the blaze, which has been burning since last Thursday.

She spoke out after meeting residents in Horwich who have raised concerns about the fire.

The Bolton West MP said: “I understand and share residents’ concerns. I have contacted the Environment Agency to ask for prompt investigation of how this incident could happen and what is being done to ensure that nothing similar occurs in future.”

The fire started at about 1.30pm on Thursday in a 20-metre-high wood stack.

At the height of the blaze there were 50 firefighters tackling the flames and crews were still at the scene today to ensure that it was under control.

Pumps are expected to remain on site until Thursday.

Ms Kelly has written to the agency about Armstrong before because of residents’ concerns about the amount of wood being stored there.

She visited the site on Friday to see the extent of the damage and speak to some of the affected residents.

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