FAMILIES gasped for breath as fumes from a tip fire engulfed parts of Colne.

Complaints swamped the phonelines of Pendle councillors and environmental health department brought in experts from the Environment Agency to check on pollution levels.

The deep-seated fire at Sansbury Quarry, above Knotts Lane, was first noticed on Saturday. Firemen were at the scene for four days and wore masks to protect them from the fumes.

The Environment Agency issued an injunction ordering the owner of the quarry to blanket the fire and brought in an earth-mover to do the job.

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