Published: Wednesday, 18th November, 2009 10:02am

Work begins to secure firm's future

by Jamie MacDonald

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THE emergency services who dealt with one of the largest fires to be seen in the county in decades have been praised for their response.

Last Tuesday a massive blaze engulfed Benkert UK's factory in Alva Industrial Estate which firefighters worked around the clock to contain.

At its peak around 100 firefighters were involved in tackling the fire until it was eventually fully extinguished on Friday.

Conditions for firefighters were described as extremely hazardous due to the large amounts of paper and solvents stored in the cigarette tip making factory.

Remarkably fire officials believe they have managed to save around 75 per cent of the building and its expensive equipment which, if destroyed, would have been difficult to replace due to the prohibitive cost. The building did, however, suffer extensive smoke damage and a wall had to be knocked down.

An investigation into the source of the blaze is ongoing.

Neil Sharpe, financial director Benkert UK at Alva, thanked the people of Clackmannanshire and Clackmannanshire Council for the great offers of support and help during the fire.

He was also extremely greatful to the emergency services for the very fast and professional response to the blaze as it unfolded. Mr Sharpe added, "As locals and staff will understand it is still too early to make decisions regarding help and assistance from outside agencies until the site has been secured and made safe and that is where our efforts are currently focused.

"We have a comprehensive disaster recovery plan which has been implemented and we are making as many decisions as fast as possible. As soon as a full assessment and a comprehensive action plan is completed I'll be able to make a full and detailed announcement for the way ahead."

Around 180 people are employed at the plant and Mr Sharpe told the Advertiser the company was "busy with many actions to secure the future of Alva".

When the fire was still burning residents in Alva and Menstrie were advised to keep doors and windows closed as the toxic fumes could have caused irritation.

The fire resulted in Alva Academy being closed until Thursday when pupils were allowed back into the school via certain routes. Other businesses in the industrial estate experienced disruption with most being closed for their own safety also until Thursday.

Steven Lynch, of nearby Blyth Construction said, "You can't blame anyone for what has happened. From a health and safety point of view you just have to accept it. Our priority is safety, obviously we want to work but in this case there is nothing we can do."

Appliances from Alloa, Tillicoultry, Stirling, Bo'ness, Falkirk, Larbert, Doune and Dunblane attended the fire and support crews from Fife Fire and Rescue Service and Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade were deployed to Alloa and Bo'ness stations in case other incidents occurred.

Central Scotland Police closed nearby roads and put up diversions due to safety concerns.

Local MP Gordon Banks said it was no surprise the emergency services dealt with this incident in such an effective and professional manner.

He added, "I want to offer our sincerest thanks and gratitude to everyone who attended the scene in Alva. They made a potentially fatal situation much safer and they deserve our thanks and gratitude for ensuring that no lives were lost.

"I will also be writing to the owners of the Benkert factory to offer my assistance with getting the factory back up and running and to support the workers who will be concerned about the company's future in Alva."

Local councillor Donald Balsillie shared Mr Banks wish to secure Benkert's continued presence in the village.

He said, "I've met the council's chief executive and director of Development and Environmental Services and impressed on them how important the company is to the local economy.

"We have to do our best to secure the company here. It is a good company with a skilled and loyal work force. It is good news to hear the company are working towards staying in Alva."

The council's chief executive Angela Leitch said, "I'd like to thank parents and staff at the school for cooperating with the emergency services.

"A big thank you also goes to individuals and businesses who donated food to the Cochrane Hall rest centre - you have truly shown the meaning of community."