A recycling centre in Potters Crouch that set on fire and wreaked havoc across the district last year will cease operations today after having their licence revoked.

Wood Recycling Services (WRS) has decided not to appeal the notices the Environment Agency (EA) served on February 20 to revoke their operating licence.

Around 10,000 tonnes of recycled wood caught alight just after midnight on November 10 last year at the Appspond Lane site, causing a huge bonfire next to the motorway for about two months.

Simon Lupson, director at WRS Ltd, said: “This has been a tough decision but one we need to make.

“There is work to be done to clear the site over the coming months and once that has been completed we will review our position and see where we go from there.”

The company, which has operated the wood site since 2008, has been advised by the EA with a proposed clear up plan which will be carried out over the next few months.

A statement issued by the EA said WRS will be required to remove all wood and composting from the site.

According to a WRS spokesperson the move puts 25 local jobs at risk.