Having read the article entitled “Shut it down – waste blaze sparks anger” (Journal, May 9), I was appalled by the comments in it. I think it is disgusting that Coun Lynden Stowe should compare the recent fire at Sims Metals with the disaster at Bhopal. As the report states, Public Health England have acknowledged that the fire was “typical” for an industrial site and were “not aware of any chemical compounds which could give cause for any concern”. The smell and taste from this fire is exactly the same as one we experienced in Pebworth for over 12 months when waste from skips was burned at a nearby farm. The Environment Agency, environmental health and, indeed, our district councillor Alastair Adams did not help us at all. They were not interested one bit, but as soon as it is Sims they leap into action! We are still here to tell the tale (thankfully) so it can’t have been toxic. It is just a shame that this company is once again being ‘attacked’.

Yes, this incident has been an inconvenience for people but it was dealt with in just over a week. Imagine enduring it for months! Let us not lose sight of the fact that this company currently provides jobs for hundreds of people and has, over the many years it has been in operation, employed thousands in the area. Suggesting it shuts down is ridiculous in this current economic climate. One must ask the question, if your neighbour had a bonfire and the direction of the wind was towards your house, would you keep your windows and doors open? I imagine the answer is no, so why then would any one want to leave them open during this incident? Sharon Summers Pebworth