Health complaints after Wem tyre fire
COUNCILLORS HAVE been "inundated" with complaints from people who say they feel unwell after an estimated 20 to 30 tonnes of rubber went up in flames during a major fire in Wem. COUNCILLORS HAVE been "inundated" with complaints from people who say they feel unwell after an estimated 20 to 30 tonnes of rubber went up in flames during a major fire in Wem. The claims were made as members of Wem Town Council called for a public meeting on the blaze at Kingpin Tyres on July 4 at its meeting last night. About 50 county firefighters worked around the clock to tackle the fire - the third at the firm's site in the last 15 months. The meeting heard claims that workers and residents have felt unwell in the wake of the incident, despite the wind blowing the thick black smoke away from the town and industrial estate on the day of the fire. Health and environment officials who monitored air and water quality afterwards said they found no evidence of pollution. And in a statement, Kingpin said the air quality was monitored by the Health & Safety Executive with the prevailing wind blowing in the opposite direction to Wem. Read more in today's Shropshire Star
COUNCILLORS HAVE been "inundated" with complaints from people who say they feel unwell after an estimated 20 to 30 tonnes of rubber went up in flames during a major fire in a Shropshire town.
The claims were made as members of Wem Town Council called for a public meeting on the blaze at Kingpin Tyres on July 4 at its meeting last night.
About 50 county firefighters worked around the clock to tackle the fire - the third at the firm's site in the last 15 months.
The meeting heard claims that workers and residents have felt unwell in the wake of the incident, despite the wind blowing the thick black smoke away from the town and industrial estate on the day of the fire.
Health and environment officials who monitored air and water quality afterwards said they found no evidence of pollution. And in a statement, Kingpin said the air quality was monitored by the Health & Safety Executive with the prevailing wind blowing in the opposite direction to Wem.
But Councillor Peggy Carson said: "We're getting mixed messages with Shropshire Council saying there was no risk to anybody and then we heard there was cyanide in the smoke so people are concerned.
"I think we should push for a public meeting because I've been inundated with people who said they have been sick . . . ever since."
Councillor Carson said today she had received 30 complaints from residents.
Councillor Pauline Dee said at the meeting: "For the people working on the estate it must be affecting their health. I've been told it is affecting their health."
Members also heard a multi-agency meeting following the fire resulted in an "urgent action plan" for Kingpin bosses to implement. Part of the action plan focuses on the way the company stores materials.
Councillor Chris Mellings said: "The company has been asked to prepare a response by August 25."
In a statement, Kingpin said today: "The air quality was strictly monitored by the Health & Safety Executive and the prevailing wind was in the opposite direction to Wem.
"Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service did an excellent job in putting the fire out very quickly and we thank everyone who helped."
By Tom Johannsen
