THE world’s largest metal recylcer is being investigated after claims it is polluting the air of Cradley and possibly endangering the health of residents.

The sky over parts of Cradley has regularly turned yellow since Sims Metal Management began burning metal and old car parts openly in their Bassett Road yard.

Dudley Council principal environmental health officer Lynda Fawthrop confirmed the firm, which occupies the sites of former scrap yards ER Coley and Evans and Mondon, is under investigation.

She said: “Dudley Council and The Environment Agency has requested actions by the company to reduce the impact of emissions from the site.

“However, complaints continue to be made despite these actions and, therefore, both our organisations are currently working together, to investigate the problem and possible remedial measures.”

Last year Dudley Council promised to tackle air pollution in Cradley after it emerged that levels of nitrogen dioxide were above the Government’s recommended levels.

For decades residents had to put up with corrosive dust belching out of Clancey’s Foundry and then years of ‘horrific smells’ from the Fish4Dogs plant.

Frustrated Cradley resident David Beale has complained to local councillors, Margot James MP, Dudley Council and the Environment Agency about Sims Metal Management.

He said: “The air pollution in the Cradley area is being exacerbated by the activities of Sims Metal in Bassett Road. You can usually see a yellow tinge to the sky over the whole area.

“Something needs to be done and due to the lack of any action several other local firms now have regular bonfires, usually held in a skip, giving rise to black smoke.“ Cradley councillor Tim Crumpton said: “We are worried there are health issues concerning air pollution in Cradley.

“I have been working with the residents, local firms and the various agencies to get this firm, Sims Metals, to stop polluting the local area.

“We thought we had an agreement but now this so-called world-leader is just doing what it wants.”

He added: “I am working closely with the Environment Agency and the council and I will do all that I can to stop this disgraceful situation.”

No-one from Sims Metal Management was available for comment as the News went to press.