STAFF have been evacuated from a Cwmbran tinsel factory after reports of a fire.

Grey smoke can be seen coming from Festive Productions, a tinsel factory based at Ty Coch industrial estate in Oakfield.

There are four fire engines at the scene and staff have been sent outside as firefighters investigate the fire.

Chairman of Festive Productions, John Saunders, said there was a small fire which had broken out in the inverter room which contains air conditioning units. It was caused by a suspected electrical fault and was contained by the firefighters.

He said there is no damage to stock although it is 'a bit wet'.

Eyewitness Neil Barry said: "I was at a garage opposite getting my car repaired.

"I smelt burning plastic then saw the black smoke."

A spokesman for the fire service said there is heavy smoke coming from the storage area and workshop and investigations are being carried out into the cause of the smoke.

Four fire engines have come from Cwmbran, New Inn, Abersychan and Duffryn and a hydraulic platform has been sent from Maindee.

The fire service spokesman said they received the call at 11.16am this morning.

Festive Productions – the UK’s largest manufacturer of tinsel – has recently had to replace nearly half of the 250,000 square foot roof at its factory.The major refurbishment cost £455,500 and was supported by a £150,000 repayable business loan from the Welsh Government.

A photo from the scene:

South Wales Argus:

Staff have been evacuated and are standing outside: 

South Wales Argus: