THE demolition of the two fire-damaged bays at Lawrence Recycling which was due to begin yesterday has been delayed.

The work was due start to make it safe for specialist contractors to remove waste and allow further firefighting to take place.

Wyre Forest District Council has confirmed that the demolition will be starting as soon as health and safety regulations are in place.

It is expected to begin tomorrow or Thursday and it will take two to three days to complete.

Three weeks ago, the authorities decided the best course of action was to let the fire, which started on Sunday, June 16, burn itself out but have changed their minds as the process was taking longer than expected.

Demolishing the building will allow Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service to douse the burning material and put out the fire more quickly.

It was announced last week that taxpayers are having to foot the £250,000 bill to put out the fire.

Wyre Forest District Council, Worcestershire County Council, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and the Environment Agency are joining forces to pay for the actions after it emerged that Lawrence Recycling will be unable to meet the costs.

Steps will be taken to seek to recover the public sector’s expenditure.