Worksop: MP calls for recycling plant closure after third fire

Bassetlaw MP John Mann has called for the Worksop recycling centre to be shut down after the third serious fire in six months.
Firefighters tackle the blaze at Worksop recycling centreFirefighters tackle the blaze at Worksop recycling centre
Firefighters tackle the blaze at Worksop recycling centre

Fire crews were called to the site on Shireoaks Road at 4:39am on Sunday, 23rd February to reports of a fire in a single-storey barn used for recycling storage.

This is the third fire to take place at the recycling centre as there were two more fires reported last August.

Mr Mann said: “In America, you are out after three strikes and this needs to apply in this situation. Once is bad, but twice is unacceptable- three times should see the plant being shut down.”

“In my view there is no other acceptable solution.”

Ed Freeman, director of the recycling centre, said: “Whilst we appreciate that John Mann is under pressure from local residents who have been affected due to this issue, we feel he is being very unfair.”

“The building on fire was not in use and we therefore believe that this is a result of arson and not an operational issue- the fire service will be investigating later this week.”

“We employ around 50 staff from the local area and are desperately trying to secure those jobs, so I am disappointed that John Mann hasn’t consulted us before making these comments.”

“We work closely with the fire service and Environment Agency who are happy with the procedures we have in place.”

Worksop fire service confirmed that the fire has been contained and they are in the process of taking down the damaged barn.