EIGHT weeks to the day since it started, the Averies Recycling fire was finally put out yesterday, much to the relief of residents and businesses neighbouring the Marshgate site.

The blaze started on July 21 and burned continuously, with the fire service and Environment Agency expected to leave Averies’ base today.

Firefighters have been working with the agency, Swindon Council, NHS England and Averies to deal with the incident, with the operation believed to have cost around £500,000.

Bernie Brannan, chairman of the group co-ordinating the multi-agency plan, said: “This positive news will be a huge relief for everyone, particularly those people directly affected by the fire in their daily lives.

“We are tremendously grateful for the ongoing patience and support shown by local residents and businesses during this difficult period. Considerable resources have been used in the process and we shall endeavour, in the interests of the public purse, to recover costs involved.

“Frontline officers have worked tirelessly to bring this fire to the swiftest conclusion in extremely challenging circumstances and I would also like to thank them for their important work, which has been so vital in reaching this point.”

Due to the size of the site and the amount of rubbish, firefighters had struggled to put out the blaze.

The key point in the operation came two weeks ago, when around 3,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste was transferred to Hills Waste Solutions in Blunsdon, which gave crews room to work.

Those based near the site are pleased that the fire is out but want to see a public inquiry into the matter to discover what lessons could be learned.

Edward Browning, 76, who lives in Stratton Road, said: “It is very good news that the fire is out as some of the smoke has been absolutely diabolical.

“I think the whole incident needs to be investigated. I don’t see how Averies can be allowed to start up again in the same location with highly-flammable waste on site.

“The town is expanding and they should be based on the outskirts away from the centre.”

Due to the fire, Treads Tyres, based next to Averies had to close for 10 days during the 57 days for which it raged.

Owner Kathy Davies said: “It is good to see it is reaching the end although there is still some smoke coming from the site at the minute.

“I think we will be fully back to normal by the end of the week, then we’ll wait to see what happens next through the various investigations.”

Last week, councillors Mark Dempsey and Joe Tray said they planned to lobby for a inquiry into the fire during the full council meeting taking place at the Civic Offices at 7pm on Thursday. The cause of the blaze is still being investigated by Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The Adver approached Averies but they didn’t wish to comment on the fire at this stage. They have previously apologised for the inconvenience the public have suffered.

The smoke from the fire has reduced significantly but anyone still affected by it is asked to call their GP or call NHS 111.