SENIOR representatives of key public sector bodies dealing with the Lawrence Recycling blaze say they will be working on a strategy to put out the fire more quickly.

The agencies met today to discuss the aftermath of the fire and are hoping to make a final decision about putting out the fire early next week.

The fire is still burning at the Stourport Road site and further air quality monitoring has been carried out.

The results have been analysed and bosses say the smoke does not present a significant risk to the health of residents or the wider public.

The group met to review its strategy for putting out the fire, protecting public health and the environment.

The recent hot weather, changes to water levels and temperatures have resulted in different conditions for the agencies to consider. 

The fire is also likely to burn for longer than first estimated. The various options for finding a tactic to put the fire out faster were discussed.

Ian Miller, chief executive of Wyre Forest District Council, who chaired the meeting, said: “The agencies are listening to local residents’ concerns and constantly reviewing the evidence to see if changes to their strategy need to be made.

"We have considered the changes to the situation and the agencies have decided to work on a strategy which should see the fire put out more quickly.

"The agencies are now working to ensure the equipment needed is available and that we have the resources in place so that we can make a final decision early next week. They will provide information about what is going to happen and when and also what the public can expect.

"There is also going to be a further meeting with businesses to give them advice and discuss the proposals moving forward.”

The Fire Service has been on the site every day since the fire broke out and carrying out periodic inspections. Air quality testing is continuing and the results will be published on the Council’s website.

The agencies will continue to work with Lawrence Recycling & Waste Management as it recovers from the incident.

Detailed information from all the agencies dealing with the incident can be found at wyreforestdc.gov.uk/lawrencesfire.