FAMILIES were evacuated from their homes for the second time in six months as a huge blaze wrecked a plastic recycling plant.

Eight fire crews tackled Monday night's blaze at County Plastics Recycling, Barnfield Mill on Union Street, Tyldesley.

As gale force winds fanned the flames residents were moved out of nearby homes in Castle Street and the new Island Chase mill site development.

Several roads were closed and traffic travelling from Atherton to Tyldesley diverted via Leigh.

The blaze was spotted shortly before 8pm and started in a pile of waste plastic stored in a yard next to the two storey factory building.

Gale force winds fanned the flames which spread to the factory igniting granulated plastic which gave off poisonous, thick, black smoke and fumes.

Atherton Fire Station sub-officer Paul Dryden said:"At its height it was pretty spectacular. You could see the flames from Atherton.

"Unfortunately the wind was so strong it fuelled the situation and led to the fire spreading to the factory."

During the night, thick acrid smoke billowed out and the fire service received dozens of calls from alarmed residents.

Plastics company director Michael Guy said: "I don't know if we'll be able to carry on or whether it's worth it.

"We had a fire in the yard about five months ago and it's still with the insurers.

"Do the people who start these things realise they put people's jobs at risk. The building is going to have to be demolished and the stock is wrecked."

The company owner is Mr Guy's father, Duncan. Five people are employed on site with a further two sales staff.

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