Schools can reopen after recycling plant fire

More than 120 calls were made to London Fire Brigade

Schools that were closed after a fire at a recycling plant in south-west London are due to re-open, Wandsworth Council says.

The local authority said as long as the smoke plume from the fire disperses quickly, and the wind not does change direction, all schools can open.

About 40 firefighters were sent to Reston Waste Management in Weir Road, Wimbledon, at about 22:30 BST on Saturday, bringing the blaze under control more than nine hours later.

Site operator Sortera has apologised for the impact the fire has had and said it was "well aware of the impact it's had on [local residents]".

Smoke continued to fill the air after the fire was brought under control

Managing director Mark McCleery added: "I give you the assurance that we're working extremely hard with all the agencies to make sure that we resolve the situation as quickly as possible."

Smoke could be seen from the recycling plant on Garratt Lane, which is about one mile (1.7km) away

'Smells like a bonfire'

Wandsworth Council said air quality tests have now been conducted at Tram House, Siward Road SEND Inclusion Base, Beatrix Potter and Earlsfield primary schools.

"These tests have shown that air quality levels are now within advisable limits," a spokesperson said.

"This means that should the plume disperse quickly, and the wind not change direction, all schools can open tomorrow (Wednesday).

"Schools are advised that if traces of smoke remain pupils should be kept indoors and (they should) close windows and doors as a precaution."

Earlier, Andrew Thomas, one of the residents who was told to keep his windows and doors closed, said he was having to use his inhaler for the first time in five years and that it "smells like a bonfire".

"Standing outside for more than five minutes, especially at night, you've got to go back in and wash your face," he said.

"It's worrying. We need more information on the actual pollution levels in the air.

"They are saying that there's scientific monitoring going on but we haven't had any of those results yet."

'Fully extinguish'

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Crews have been working through Monday night making steady progress at the scene of this waste fire.

"They remained on scene Tuesday morning damping down and extinguishing deep-seated pockets of fire.

"Firefighters are working to remove piles of waste to a separate site to enable them to fully extinguish the fire and this will continue into this afternoon.

"While this work is ongoing, smoke continues to be produced from the site."