Smoke from Black Country metal recycling firm sparks complaints

Thick plumes of smoke are billowing up from a Black Country metal recycling firm, sparking complaints from nearby companies that it is blighting their business.

Dust settling on equipment and vehicles, smoke hindering visibility on the factory floor and coughing fits in workers are among the complaints lodged with environmental health bosses, who have received numerous reports concerning the smoke being released into the air by Sims Metal Management, in Bassett Road, Cradley.

A manager from Sims admitted that bosses were aware the smoke "is an inconvenience" – and vowed to work with their neighbours to tackle the issue, insisting there was nothing in it harmful to health.

Company manager John Bell, who runs Bell Steels next door to Sims, said he has been keeping a "nuisance diary" of their issues.