Wem residents want tough action on tyre fire risk

Residents today demanded tough action to minimise the risk of further fires at a Shropshire company hit by three blazes in the last 15 months.

People in Wem want the situation reviewed after three major fires involving piles of waste rubber sent plumes of black smoke into the air and sparked fears for public safety at Kingpin Tyres, on the town's industrial estate.

Environment Agency officials today insisted they are taking the matter seriously.

A spokeswoman said: "Safety talks between ourselves and Kingpin Tyres are ongoing as we try and come up with ways to prevent future fires."

But environmental campaigners say the agency should use its powers to clamp down more swiftly.

Steve Boulding, North Shropshire Green Party spokesman, said: "The Environment Agency has very considerable powers to deal with this problem but it seems to have a laissez-faire attitude and doesn't want to use them."

Wem folk have also spoken of their concerns on the risk posed by piles of burning rubber so close to people's homes.

In a letter to the Shropshire Star, resident Simon Forrester said air quality in the town was a big concern during the fires and that some people "haven't felt totally well" following previous incidents.

He said residents of Wem "want to see action" taken.

Officials who monitored air and water quality after this month's fire found no evidence of pollution.

After the latest fire on July 4, which involved an estimated 20 to 30 tonnes of shredded tyres, the Environment Agency vowed to review the firm's waste permit. No one from Kingpin Tyres was available for comment.