Warnings over 'huge' traffic as fire closes road

Those living near Grevatts Lane in Climping have been urged to keep doors and windows closed

A fire at a waste services site in Climping has been causing "huge" tailbacks for motorists in West Sussex.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said the A259 at Grevatts Lane had been closed as it tackled the blaze and warned people to avoid the area.

Residents living near the industrial site were urged to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke rising from the fire, although the service said the plume was "dissipating".

Eight fire engines, two water carriers and two aerial ladders were at the scene on Friday.

The fire service said it received "multiple" 999 calls at about 10:20 BST reporting the fire and it was still battling to bring it under control at 15:00 BST.

It said a large building full of recycling and plant machinery "was fully involved in the fire".

Clouds of black smoke could be seen billowing from the site.

The fire service said it was working with police to reopen the road

Fire chiefs said the road closure was "causing a huge amount of traffic" and it would be in place for "some time".

A spokesperson said: "Residents can be assured that we are working hard to re-open this major A-road, and this remains a priority for our teams dealing with the incident."

They added that firefighters would remain at the scene overnight and into the weekend, while the cause of the fire would be investigated when it was safe to do so.

The fire service said crews were trying to bring the fire under control

Bus company Stagecoach South said on X that routes 500 and 700 were experiencing disruption in both directions "due to a fire at Arun waste".

It added that the A259 had been closed "between Flansham and Climping".