CONTROVERSIAL Knowsley factory Sonae sparked anger last night after announcing plans to start reconstruction of its fire-damaged plant.

Complaints have poured in about the Kirkby chipboard factory since a massive fire began there in June, burning 1,500 tonnes of chipboard over eight days.

The fire, which sent foul smelling smoke billowing for miles around, destroyed several buildings on the site.

The fire forced the company to shutdown chipboard production, although it still manufactures chipboards into other items like kitchen cupboards.

Yesterday the company said it hoped be at 80% operation by October and back to full operation by next spring, although it may need planning permission.

Knowsley MP George Howarth said the resumption was wholly inappropriate.

He said: “There can be no guarantees that they have resolved the underlying problems with safety and stability at the plant.

“If they have to seek planning permission, it will be because what they are planning is in some way different to what they already have permission for.

“I will be interested to see if this involves a number of measures for safety and to stop the problems that the community have experienced in the past.

“As matters stand at the moment I don’t see how anyone can have any confidence in Sonae to operate safely and with stability.”