**Politicians Raise Concerns After Another Fire at Perth Recycling Site**
Politicians have expressed growing concerns following a recent fire at a recycling facility in Perth, triggering the closure of the A90 Friarton Bridge in both directions. The fire occurred at the Enva premises around 3 am on Tuesday under the bridge that spans the Tay River. Questions have been raised about the placement of the recycling centre, which handles waste electronic equipment, in such close proximity to the bridge.
The closure of the Friarton Bridge for approximately 10 hours caused heavy congestion on Perth city roads due to diversions. This incident marks the fourth fire at the site in recent years, with the most tragic being in February 2023 when worker Slawomir Szmeichel lost his life in a fatal blast at what was then the Shore Recycling site.
Enva, which acquired Shore Recycling in August 2023, reported that the latest fire, believed to have been caused by waste electrical material, did not result in any injuries. First Minister John Swinney voiced his deep concerns about the recurring fires, emphasizing the importance of stringent safety measures for both staff and the public.
Members of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Perthshire Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser have called for a thorough review of safety protocols at the recycling centre, given the repeated incidents. The location of the facility in close proximity to a major trunk road has also drawn scrutiny due to the impact on traffic disruptions during such events.
An Enva spokesperson assured that the fire was contained in the reception area for incoming electrical waste and did not affect the main recycling facility. The company pledged to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident, pointing to a waste battery as the likely cause.
As investigations into the recent fire continue, concerns loom over the safety of workers and the need for stricter safety measures at the Perth recycling site to prevent further disruptions and tragedies.
**Summary:**
The recurring fires at the Perth recycling site have raised significant concerns among politicians and the public, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures and a potential relocation of the facility. The need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols and the impact of the recycling centre’s proximity to major roads have become focal points in ensuring the well-being of workers and preventing future incidents.