Recycling centre blaze causes roads chaos

Part of a major road was closed to traffic today as more than 50 firefighters tackled a big blaze at a recycling centre.

Police closed the A14 to westbound traffic after fire broke out among 1,000 tonnes of waste at Huntingdon Recycling Centre in Ellington, Cambridgeshire, a spokeswoman for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

The busy road was shut between Brampton, Cambridgeshire, and Thrapston, Northamptonshire, and was likely to remain closed for "some time", she said.

Crews were called to the centre at 3am today where they encountered a large fire. The blaze consisted of about 1,000 tonnes of composted material and material waiting to be composted.

The spokeswoman said 12 fire engines and support vehicles were at the scene. Crews from Northampton and Bedfordshire were also in attendance along with the Environment Agency and Highways Agency.

The fire caused a large plume of smoke which was carried by strong winds towards Huntingdon.

"Residents who are affected by the smoke are advised to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed," the spokeswoman said.