A LARGE rubbish fire broke out under a road bridge yesterday afternoon, Boxing Day.

Two fire engines were sent to Suez Street in Newton-le-Willows, near to the road bridge close to Chemical Street, at around 4pm where a quantity of waste - around 20m by 20m in size - was well alight.

Crews used hose reel jets and a main branch to extinguish the flames.

Firefighters battled the blaze late into the night. 

Due to the large volume of smoke from the fire, which was blowing towards the town centre, residents were advised to keep their windows shut.

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A meeting has taken place this morning, Friday, between the fire service, St Helens Council, Network Rail and the site owners. 

A cause for the fire has not been confirmed yet.