NEIGHBOURS are being warned to keep their doors and windows closed after a fire at a chemical firm.

More than 30 firefighters have been tackling a blaze at Astley Dye And Chemical Company, in Mallison Street, Astley Bridge.

They were called at 9.20pm on Wednesday when an automatic fire alarm sounded in the building.

Firefighters have been using specialist equipment to deal with the fire, which involves chemicals.

Several ambulances queued up in nearby Seymour Road as a precaution due to the nature of the fire.

Ben Levy, incident commander for the fire service, said: “We have a small fire which involves chemicals.

“Firefighters have contained the fire and now we are minimising any future risk to the environment and the residents.

“The risk to the public is very low. However, I would advise residents to keep their windows and doors closed.”

He added that no-one was inside the building when the fire started and said it had caused “limited” damage.

People living close to the firm watched on as the emergency services descended on their normally quiet street.

A woman living in Seymour Road, who asked not to be named, said: “I heard an alarm going off and then all the fire engines turned up. They haven’t told me anything about it, other than I don’t need to leave the house.

“I am worried about it. It’s so close to my house and it’s scary to see everything cordoned off.”