After three fires in less than eight months on the Nationwide Metal Recycling site at the edge of Hitchin, local councillors are calling for the site's license to be reviewed urgently.

Six fire engines and ambulance services were called to the fire at the recycling centre at Cadwell Lane on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday's fire follows similar incidents in December and February.

Cllr Jon Clayden, representing Hitchin Highbury ward, said: "Residents on Cadwell Lane live less than 250m from the site and have been repeatedly exposed to serious air pollution as a result of these fires.

"Meanwhile residents across Hitchin have been advised to keep their windows shut whenever it happens.

"The situation is just untenable. Nationwide Metal Recycling just haven't been able to demonstrate that they can operate safely in proximity to local housing."

With thousands of litres of water being dumped on the fire each time by the fire service, and the River Hiz running right next to the site, water pollution is also a major concern for local representatives.

Cllr Louise Peace, who represents the neighbouring village of Ickleford, added: "Every time this happens, the run-off pollutes our precious chalk streams, which are already under pressure."

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Liberal Democrat councillors Keith Hoskins, Chris Lucas and Sam Collins, representing different parts of Hitchin, were also unified in saying that "enough is enough".

"The site is not suitable given the evidence of these fires and should not be allowed to go on polluting the area," they said.