FIREFIGHTERS continue to tackle the blaze at the waste facility in Carr Lane, Prescot.

Crews have been containing the fire and dealing with isolated pockets of fire throughout the night.

A Merseyside Fire and Rescue service spokesman said: "The smoke from the fire is significantly reduced, however a cordon remains in place from the roundabout at Tesco down to Huyton Lane and a decision will be made this morning as to whether to reopen the road.

"No vehicles are permitted into the cordoned area. 

"There will be limited access from Steeley Way. People are permitted to access the units on foot to the left of Sinclair Way, which includes Ropers Court, Helsby Court and Pilkington Court.

"There is to be no access on foot to the units on the right of Sinclair Way, which is Sinclair Court, due to its proximity to the scene."

POLICE have confirmed that Carr Lane remained closed overnight as firefighters continued to manage a blaze at a waste in site in Prescot.

A cordon was in place from the roundabout at Tesco down to Huyton Lane and a decision will be made on Monday whether to reopen the road.

No vehicles are permitted into the cordoned area.

A police spokesman said: "There will be limited access from Steeley Way.

"People are permitted to access the units on foot to the left of Sinclair Way, which includes Ropers Court, Helsby Court and Pilkington Court.

"There is to be no access on foot to the units on the right of Sinclair Way, which is Sinclair Court, due to its proximity to the scene.

"Motorists are asked to avoid Carr Lane and to make alternative arrangements."

BETWEEN 60 and 80 firefighters joined in the operation to tackle a blaze that engulfed a waste transfer facility in Prescot this morning.

Up to 40 businesses in Prescot Business Park had to be evacuated after a large fire broke out at the waste transfer site, reported to be the Remondis centre at Carr Lane.

This site holds an environmental permit for the treatment, storage, transfer and disposal of hazardous waste.

At the height of the blaze 12 pumps and a combined platform ladder were in attendance, with 60 to 80 firefighters involved in firefighting. 

The fire covered approximately 100m x 100m located in a warehouse. 

The plume of smoke, which could be seen across St Helens and parts of the North West, reduced in size and density by Sunday nearby.

Carr Lane remains closed to traffic but residents nearby have been told they can now open their doors and windows.

The Environment Agency and other partners have been providing advice and guidance to Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service since the beginning of the incident this morning to ensure the risk to people and the environment is minimised.

However, residents with pre existing health conditions should keep medicine close. If you feel any ill effects or you have any concerns about the smoke's impact on your health please contact the NHS 111 service (free from landlines and mobiles 24/7)or your GP surgery for advice, following any instructions for out of hours services.