WORKERS are returning to nearby offices after a raging blaze broke out at a recycling plant close to the Buncefield Oil Depot this morning.

Staff from nearby businesses were evacuated to Springfield Road after the fire, believed to have started in a skip at Holywell Haulage, in Maxstead Close, Hemel Hempstead broke out at at around 9.50am this morning.

More than 30 firefighters from across St Albans, Redbourn and Garston are still tackling the fire on the Maylands Estate.

Majid Khan, who works at DSG international offices in nearby Maylands Avenue, had arrived at work shortly before the blaze started.

He said: "There was a loud bang and the building shook and the fire alarm went off.

"We were evacuated and it was only when we were outside that we saw the flames."

Majid along with fellow colleagues have only just been allowed to return to their offices.

Majid said he was pleased to be evacuated to safe ground, but the bitterly cold weather made it an unpleasant experience.