Telford waste recycling plant badly damaged in huge blaze

A huge fire has engulfed a waste recycling plant in Telford, Shropshire.

It started shortly before 04:40 BST at the Granville site on Grange Lane, in the Redhill area, and covers the whole of the site, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

Specialist pumping equipment was brought in, it added, as there was not an immediate source of water.

Crews remain at the scene and a drone with a thermal imaging camera has been brought in to help identify hot spots.

A large plume of smoke was spotted across Telford on Thursday morning and residents were warned to keep doors and windows open.

More than 30 firefighters tacked the blaze near Telford

Janice Bannister runs the nearby Cottage Kennels and Cattery on Grange Lane.

"I looked out the bedroom window to see all the landfill facing our house on fire. It was very scary," she said.

"We had emergency evacuation plans all put into action so all the pets were ready to be evacuated and we grabbed a few personal items in case we had to leave in a hurry."

A tactical adviser, specialising in waste fires, was called in to help and firefighters are expected to remain at the site for "some considerable time".

Adam Mathews, from Shropshire Fire and Rescue said the smoke had particularly affected people in the Priorslee and St George's areas

Residents were told later on Thursday afternoon that they could open doors and windows but were warned there was residual smoke and the smell of fumes and to close them again if too overpowering.

Residents were warned of residual smoke and fumes in the area on Thursday afternoon

The ambulance service said it sent one paramedic to the plant but no patients were found and they were stood down.

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Telford and Wrekin Council said it had highways crews on standby in case any roads needed closing.

Janice Bannister lives nearby and said she could see "all the landfill facing our house on fire"