Environment Agency takes over Swindon recycling centre fire clean up

The Environment Agency said the firm had failed to start moving waste off the site on Saturday

The Environment Agency has said it will take over the clean up operation at a recycling site in Swindon, which has been on fire for nearly a month.

Averies in Marshgate, was ordered to remove 3,000 tonnes of waste in order for the fire to be finally put out, but it has not done so.

The agency said the firm had failed to start moving waste on Saturday.

A spokesman said the firm had "failed to respond to previous enforcement notices".

An agency spokesman said: "Environment Agency contractors will start work as soon as possible.

"We are using our powers because the operator has failed to respond to previous enforcement notices."

On Friday, an agency spokesman said it would seek to recover costs from Averies at a later date if it was forced to appoint a contractor to do the work.

The blaze at the depot started on 21 July but efforts to put it out have so far been hampered by compacted waste that has prevented access.