Latest news with #Elstow
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Green bin collections to resume after Bedfordshire waste site fire
Green waste bin collections that were suspended for nearly two weeks after a large fire at a waste site will begin again on 21 July. The fire at Elstow Waste Transfer Station near Bedford broke out at about 21:00 BST on Friday, 4 July and was finally put out on Thursday, 11 July. The fire involved a large quantity of non-hazardous mixed recyclable household waste. The building was demolished to enable firefighters safe access to extinguish the flames, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed. Bedford Borough Council confirmed collections will start again from Monday and thanked residents for their "kind words and patience whilst we made sure your recycling service was not impacted by the fire". Central Bedfordshire Council said the fire caused some delays to collections, but crews had since caught up. It confirmed it was still not operating its bulky waste collections and the Thorn Turn Trade Household Waste Recycling Centre would remain closed until the end of the week. The fire service said a number of contractors would remain on site so the deconstruction of the building could continue. "This may result in dust being seen from the site," it said. At the height of the blaze areas including Wixams, Shortstown, Hayes and Houghton Conquest were affected by the smoke. People were told to keep their windows and doors closed, but that no longer applied. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Residents told to 'keep windows closed' after Elstow fire
People living near a recycling storage centre that has been on fire since Friday are being urged to keep their windows closed, despite the hot fire at Elstow Waste Transfer Station in Bedfordshire involves a large amount of household recycling, which was deemed "non-hazardous".However, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said the agencies involved were advising any residents affected by smoke to keep their doors and windows attempting to extinguish the blaze using high-expansion foam, a decision was made to demolish the building. A fire specialist advised crews to be the first to try the "innovative tactic" of spraying expanding foam on Sunday, but it had "limited effect" because of where the fire had taken building has been declared structurally unsafe, meaning workers and emergency teams could not put water directly on the fire. Areas including Wixams, Shortstown, Hayes and Houghton Conquest were affected by the smoke, the fire service a statement on Wednesday, it said: "As the forecasted temperature continues to rise over the coming days, the agencies involved have reviewed the current situation and the advice to residents remains the same; to keep their windows and doors closed if affected by smoke."Anyone with severe respiratory concerns should contact their GP or call 111, and those with existing respiratory conditions are advised to minimise their exposure."It also issued advice suggesting people open windows on the opposite side to the plume or smoke "when it is safe to do so". Group Commander James West explained: "Waste fires are inherently difficult and complex incidents to resolve and rarely are concluded as quickly as we would like."The safety of the nearby residents, responders and on-site staff is paramount throughout an incident such as this, and we would like to thank those impacted for their continued patience and cooperation." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
07-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Green bin collections halted after waste site fire at Elstow
Green waste bin collections have been suspended for two weeks after a large fire at a landfill blaze broke out at the Elstow Waste Transfer Site near Bedford at about 21:00 BST on the facility is now out of operation, Bedford Borough Council said "priority waste" would have to be transported to an alternative site, meaning green waste kerbside collections had to be halted Elstow site is still being monitored by the fire service but the A6, between Wixams and the A421 south of Bedford, was reopened on Sunday night. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was working with the Environment Agency, the UK Health and Security Agency, police and the council on a "controlled burn" strategy at the council has apologised to residents affected by the suspension of green waste and said they should use the household waste recycling centre at Barkers Lane to dispose of any excess green waste during this time. Nicola Gribble, the council's independent portfolio holder for environment, said: "We regret the disruption caused by the fire at the Elstow Transfer Station and are working tirelessly to minimise the impact on our residents. "Suspending green waste collections was a difficult but necessary decision to prioritise essential waste services and public safety." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
05-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
'Controlled burn' strategy at Elstow waste site fire
A fire service said crews will remain at a landfill site throughout the weekend following a Fire and Rescue Service was called to the Elstow Waste Transfer Site at about 21:00 BST on Friday. People were advised to close windows and doors and avoid the area. The A6 between Wixams and the A421 remained closed. Diversions were in have worked with the Environment Agency, the UK Health and Security Agency, police and the council on a "controlled burn" strategy. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
