Crews battle on after all-night efforts to control recycling plant fire in Stockport

Residents and motorists warned about continuing large plume of smoke

Wednesday 21 August 2013 12:15 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Dozens of firefighters have battled through the night to bring a blaze under control at a large recycling plant.

Roads were closed and residents advised to close doors and windows as a precaution after flames swept through the plant on Stockport Road West in Bredbury, Stockport.

Firefighters were called at 9.12pm yesterday with five fire crews and an aerial appliance initially sent to the scene.

A further five fire crews were soon sent to the incident with 50 firefighters working to bring the blaze under control.

Sean Booth, the officer in charge for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), said: "We will certainly be here for longer than today. There is a large smoke plume going into the air and moving towards Tameside.

"The smoke plume is not affecting the motorway but please take care when in the area.

"We were faced by a rapidly developing fire at a site of about 100 metres by 100 metres when we arrived after 9pm last night and have been working at the scene all night.

"Because of the efforts overnight, we were able to contain the fire and have been able to lift some of the road closures and restrictions that were put in place."

Around 50 firefighters were continuing to tackle the blaze this morning.