Fire at recycling plant causes rush-hour tailbacks on Brighton bypass

Two fire crews from Brighton were tackling a fire this afternoon (Friday 13 September) which added to rush-hour tailbacks on the Brighton bypass.

The fire started at about 3pm at the Light Brothers recycling plant at Southerham on the edge of Lewes in the shredding machines, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said.

Six fire engines, including two from Preston Circus in Brighton, were sent to deal with the blaze which was fuelled in part by 400 litres of oil.

The fire was under control by just before 6pm as four crews remained at the scene, including one from Brighton, to damp down the area.

Traffic queues stretched back past Falmer and Stanmer up the hill to Hollingbury at one point and through the Coldean lights and the top end of Moulsecoomb.

The roadworks in Coldean Lane were due to finish this afternoon.