FIREFIGHTERS continue to tackle a blaze at a recycling plant near Bidford this morning.

Three fire engines, a water carrier a high volume pump remain at Sims Metal UK in Long Marston in bid to keep flames under control.

Firefighters are using three jets to tackle the fire while on-site staff are assisting by using excavation grabs and large mechanical shovels to move the material from the pile of recycling.

Crews will remain at the site until the fire is fully extinguished.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to the plant, which housed 12-15,000 tonnes of recycled materials including foam, fibre and plastics from cars, at about 9.10pm on Tuesday.

Yesterday, Derek Campbell, general manager of Sims Group UK said “We’re working with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service to ensure the fire is dealt with as quickly as possible. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to local residents and will be reviewing our internal fire prevention procedures at this site.

"As of right now we still don't know the cause of the fire, but we appreciate the efforts of all emergency responders. Safety and the health of the communities in which we live and work are our highest priorities. We take this matter seriously and will work to prevent such an occurrence in the future.”

Public Health England (PHE) in the West Midlands is aware of the on-going fire at the Sims Metal UK recycling plant in Long Marston and is working with the Environment Agency, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, West Mercia Police, Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire Regulatory Services to manage the incident.

A PHE West Midlands spokesperson said: “Smoke from any source may contain substances that irritate the lining of air passages, eyes and skin; making the eyes and throat sore and possibly worsening any breathing or heart conditions.”

“Respirator symptoms may include coughing and wheezing, breathlessness, sputum (phlegm) production and chest pain. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the smoke and should carry and use their medication (such as inhalers) as usual.”

“People should do all they can to stay out of the smoke. If residents are affected by smoke, they should stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should also keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.”

Anyone affected by the smoke or concerned about its impact on their health should call NHS Direct 0845 4647 / NHS 111.

Wychavon District Council will co-odinate advice to the public from the relevant experts.

Residents can keep track of the latest advice by following #longmarstonfire on twitter or by visiting wychavon.gov.uk

There are no reports of any injuries but residents in the immediate area were this morning being advised to keep windows and doors closed until further notice, and to listen to local radio for updated information.

Station commander Gary Jay from HWFRS said: “This is a deep-seated fire and we anticipate that it will be on-going for some time yet. We are monitoring the weather and wind patterns, and liaising closely with police, the Environment Agency, local health and on site staff to determine a plan as we move forward.”