RESIDENTS living near the Averies Recycling fire attended a workshop to see whether they are entitled to compensation because of the blaze.

Paul Rooney Solicitors held the event at The Great Western Hotel, in Station Road, yesterday.

The fire, at Averies in Marshgate, was put out on Monday.

It burned for two months and thick smoke affected residents and businesses near the waste firm’s site.

Ray Aimson, of Paul Rooney Solicitors, said: “We have had a lot of interest today.

“We have been working with people affected by this fire for five weeks and come across some heartbreaking stories.

“I’m as suprised as anybody by the length of time the fire burned for and I can appreciate the anger people have with the situation.”

During the information session, the legal experts assessed the sypmtoms that the visitors had, to see whether they had a case for a compensation claim against Averies.

Philip Morgan, of Westmorland Road, visited the first session and also returned to yesterday’s event.

Since the fire, he has suffered headaches and breathing difficulties.

Philip said: “I have had a persistent headache for seven weeks and I haven’t been able to get rid of it despite seeking medical help and taking tablets.

“It was unbelievable how long it took to put the fire out.

“The waste at the site should never have been allowed to grow that big and the site shouldn’t be in a residential area either.”

Firefighters worked with the Environment Agency, Swindon Council, NHS England and Averies to deal with the fire.

The operation is believed to have cost about £500,000.