Clean-up plans progress for Kilwinning site
Clean-up plans to deal with the former battery recycling centre in Kilwinning which was the scene of a major fire incident are under way.
Seed Environmental Ltd has been appointed on behalf of the land owners to address issues at the West Byrehill Industrial Estate site.
Having fully extinguished the blaze, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is expected to hand over control of the former Fenix battery facility to Seed Environmental Ltd.
The contractors have initiated their response plan and are on site today (Friday 11 April) to clear the surrounding area of debris.
Seed Environmental’s response plan will include restoring site security and undertaking contamination testing as a precaution.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has responsibility for the regulation and enforcement of the site. SEPA has been working with the site owners over the past year in order to bring the site back to a suitable and safe standard.
Quote: First and foremost, I would like to thank Scottish Fire and Rescue for dealing with this incident quickly and efficiently. I would also like to thank Police Scotland for their response as well as our own staff who at short notice, set up a rest centre for affected residents. We must acknowledge the upset, anxiety and upheaval this incident has caused local residents, particularly given this was the second major incident at the site in 12 months. I would like to reassure them that we will work with SEPA and other partners to seek assurances regarding the safety of the site and the investigation of any impacts arising from the incident. This is a matter of huge concern and we are looking for answers as to how this second incident has happened and what is being done to eliminate any chances of a further recurrence.”
Quote from: Marie Burns, North Ayrshire Council Leader
Local residents are advised to continue to keep windows and doors closed and to limit time outside as much as possible. Seed Environmental are clearing debris from the area over the coming days. People should not touch or pick up any batteries or fire debris from gardens, driveways or surrounding areas and instead await clearance by Seed. Residents are also advised to wash down all garden furniture, garden equipment and all children’s play areas and toys before use as a precautionary measure.
The blaze started on the afternoon of 9 April and a joint Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service investigation is under way to establish the cause of the fire.
Published: 11 April 2025