Nick Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent, has called on the Environment Agency, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and the Fire Service to work together and with urgency to tackle the fire at the waste disposal site, A Lewis, in Nantyglo. Nick Smith MP visited the site a number of times over the weekend and spoke to local residents.

Nick Smith MP said: “Over the weekend the fire continued to burn and because of low fog and changing wind direction, smoke and fumes were blown over the local community.

“Local people are very fed-up, as this fire has been flaring for over a week. Residents are very concerned about the time being taken to extinguish the fire while public agencies report the complexity of dealing with the waste and gaining the necessary site access to the burning stockpile.

“It is a pity the enforcement notice was only issued last Friday, 11th January, rather than earlier so that more urgent action could have been taken.

“I called a meeting in Nantyglo this morning with all the key players, the Environment Agency, the Council, the Fire Service and Public Health to stress the need to work together and as fast as possible to put out the fire on the site.

“Plus residents must be kept informed of developments and a public meeting should be arranged. Public Health must monitor the air quality so we have as much data as possible to inform decisions and advise residents on their safety. The Council must look for neighbouring sites to dispose of the doused down refuse, so that the 200 to 300 tonnes of plastic refuse can be brought under control.”