Firefighters have been battling a ‘significant’ blaze at Walleys Quarry, Newcastle, throughout the night.
A 999 call was made just after 10pm last night, 4 August, with residents reporting seeing huge flames emerging from the site on Cemetery Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The fire comes less than a week after Daily Focus reported that the Government had given a green light for legal action against the Quarry’s operator.
Residents have been asked to keep their windows shut as the blaze is brought under control.
Ben Woodward, station manager, said: “The fire is producing a large smoke plume and so we ask local residents to keep their windows closed as a precautionary measure.”
Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, said: “I am very concerned to hear that Walleys Quarry is on fire tonight – and have been in touch with the Police and Fire Commissioner and asked for a briefing first thing.
“The health and safety of residents is the top priority and that’s why we need the damn site closed. And fast.”
On Wednesday last week, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council were issued with confirmation to proceed with legal proceedings over the site from Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed.
The Council needed Government permission as DEFRA oversees the Environment Agency (EA), which is responsible for regulating the quarry.
