AIR quality data is being collected this week in the aftermath of the Lawrence Recycling blaze in Kidderminster.

Wyre Forest District Council has commissioned further monitoring to take place and will publish the results once they are available.

The blaze broke out on Sunday, June 16 and is still smouldering after authorities decided on a controlled burn.

A spokesperson from Wyre Forest District Council said: “We are doing further air quality monitoring on the advice of Public Health England in view of the fact that the fire is likely to be smoldering for some time to come.

“We understand the concerns of residents and workers in local businesses who want assurance that the health advice they have already been given is still relevant.

“Public Health England has advised us on the predicted plume direction of the fire so we can ensure the monitors are in the plume as best as is practicable.

“A gas meter was installed at Whittles Coaches in Kidderminster on Tuesday as the plume was circulating in that location. The data was recorded for five hours and is presently being analyzed.

“The plume appears to be affecting a localised area around the industrial estate around Lawrence’s. Monitoring closest to where the plume is circulating should provide a better indication of potential contaminants.

“Past experience tells us that there would be drop off in any recorded levels further away from the fire site.

“On Friday morning we will be installing further monitors that will be in-situ for two weeks. The locations will be chosen based on plume direction and Met office predicted forecasts for the next two weeks.”

The results of the monitoring will be available at wyreforestdc.gov.uk