Over 25 fire-fighters are battling to control a major blaze at a scrap metal merchants in Renfrew.

Members of the Strathclyde Fire and Rescue service have been tackling the deep-seated fire in a 30ft mountain of mangled scrap metal since 2.30pm yesterday. Heavy lifting diggers have been brought in to gouge out large quantities of metal from the immediate area on fire.

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A tributary of the River Clyde was being used to ensure there was enough water available for the crews.

A spokesman for Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said the emergency services were initially hampered by the hazardous nature of the components.

"The on site heavy lifting mechanical diggers are also being used to great effect to gouge out large quantities of metal from the immediate area on fire thereby allowing the flames to be directly attacked by the firefighting resources on hand," he said.

Residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed until the drifting smoke has passed.

(GK/JM)