CONTROVERSIAL factory Sonae has restarted chipboard production – six months after a devastating fire.

The company has completed the reconstruction of the part of the Kirkby plant destroyed in the blaze.

It forced the company to shutdown chipboard production, although it carried on manufacturing other items like kitchen cupboards.

Sonae said it has spent £25m repairing the factory and importing chipboard while production was stopped.

The restarting of chipboard production has seen the return of the huge woodchip pile which residents have long complained about.

It can be seen towering over the site’s perimeter fence, and the chimney has also been switched back on.

Yesterday residents reacted with anger.

Jess Culley, who lives near the factory, said: “Sonae don’t care about people that live in this area, and they don’t care about what they are doing to the area.”

Helen Moss, of campaign group Say Bye to Sonae, said the return of the woodchip pile was a real worry.

She said: “People are angry. The woodchip pile is a big issue because when it is windy it blows everywhere. You can wash your car one day, and the next morning it can be covered in dust.”

A few weeks ago Say Bye to Sonae met with managing director Nigel Graham to voice their concerns about the plant. Around 1,000 cubic metres of chipboard are now being produced per day, and is expected to reach around 90% capacity in the spring.

In the new year the company plans to submit plans to Knowsley council for a £30m revamp of the plant.

The company said it is “looking at ways to significantly reduce dust by containing all raw material”.

Sonae said the plans will also include landscaping to “enhance the local environment” and new equipment and site layout will be introduced to reduce potential fire risk.

Firefighters battled the blaze for eight days after 1,500 tonnes of woodchip caught fire.

Sonae said it has also completed a full overhaul of the factory including maintenance, repairs, inspections and cleaning.

Last December contract workers Thomas Elmer, 27, and James Bibby, 25, both from Rossendale, Lancashire were killed at the site after being dragged into machinery. And, in August, demolition contractor Dennis Kay, 62, was killed while working on a cherry picker to dismantle the building after the fire.

Mr Graham said: “Since June we have been meeting with local representatives and community groups to listen to their concerns and suggestions, and where possible, incorporate them into our plans .We are committed to continue to build those relationships.