The Hitchin MP has spoken out amid an ongoing blaze at a waste recycling plant, calling the situation "unacceptable".

Since around 2:30am, crews from Herts Fire & Rescue have been tackling a "large fire" at a waste recycling site in Wallace Way, Hitchin.

A picture of the Hitchin blaze from above.A picture of the Hitchin blaze from above. (Image: Sam Newman) Road closures are in place while emergency services deal with the fire.

Hitchin MP Alistair Strathern said: "I completely share residents' anger, concern and disbelief over yet another fire breaking out in the early hours at Hitchin’s industrial estates.

"My heartfelt thanks go to our brave local firefighters for their tireless work in containing the blaze, and I hope everyone involved is safe.

"This situation is unacceptable. I am actively working with Hertfordshire Fire Service, the Environment Agency, and local authorities to address residents’ serious concerns —including on safety and the impact on air quality.

"I’ll be convening a public meeting with all relevant agencies to ensure robust measures are put in place to reduce the risk of these all-too-frequent fires."

"This simply cannot be a state of affairs we continue to accept."

As the incident is ongoing, residents and visitors are being asked to avoid the area while the fire service deals with the incident.

If you are in the immediate area, please keep your doors and windows closed.