FIRE crews are currently battling a blaze on a Suffolk industrial estate.Eight crews are in attendance at packaging company Glowcroft Ltd based on the Lion Barn Industrial estate in Needham Market.

FIREFIGHTERS are using water from a lake to help battle against a blaze at a Suffolk industrial estate.

A total of 12 crews are currently at packaging company Glowcroft Ltd based on the Lion Barn industrial estate in Needham Market.

The fire began in a compactor machine in the company's single storey 23,000sq ft factory, which was purpose built in 2004.

Firefighters are using water from Needham Lake to douse the fire, which it was originally feared could spread to nearby units.

It was also initially thought that chemicals could be on the site but it is now believed that this is not the case.

Ray Darnell, a Needham Market town councillor, said: “I heard the first fire engine arrive. I couldn't see much - it didn't look like there were flames - but there was a lot of smoke.

“I don't think there's been a fire here before. I don't think it's that dangerous so I'm not too worried.”

Pumps from Needham Market, Stowmarket, headquarters, Ipswich Princes Street, Felixstowe and Debenham are tackling the fire.

The building is reported to be heavily smoke-logged.

Glowcroft moved to Suffolk from Gloucester in 2001, and relocated to its current factory in Williamsport Way in December 2004.

The company was started in 1990 and is a horticultural manufacturing and marketing company selling its products through 2500 garden centres under the SwellGel and BasketMate brands.