IT has long been a Hampshire town’s biggest eye-sore – but also its biggest fire risk.

Hundreds of thousands of old tyres have been dumped at the former Ashfield mill outside Romsey.

Now fire crews and the police are joining local authorities today to practise how they would deal with a fire at the site.

Hampshire County Council leader Cllr Roy Perry said: “I have always had concerns about this site and although we are informed that the chances of a major incident happening are remote, it’s important that all the agencies are properly prepared with a robust emergency response plan that will make sure risks are minimised.

“That’s why it’s vital to ensure that these plans already in place are fully tested.”

The exercise involves Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire County Council, Test Valley Borough Council and the Environment Agency.

Crucially, real-time response of the agencies in the event of a fire occurring will be fully exercised.

This includes monitoring the impact of road closures needed to ensure the safety of emergency services working at the scene, testing special procedures such as communications and trialling equipment.

The fire service is also planning to use a specialist piece of equipment known as a high volume pumping unit.

One of the key objectives is to assure a ready supply of water.

To make the conditions realistic, a kilometre of large hose lines will be laid while road closures will take place between 6pm and 10pm.

The A3057 Romsey Road will shut between the junctions of the M271 and the A27.

Coldharbour Lane, Hoe Lane, Toothill Road, Lee Drove, and Lee Lane are closed for the same period.

There will be a signed diversion route via the A27 Luzborough Lane and A27 Botley Road, Rownhams Lane, Bakers Drove, and A3057 Romsey Road, but residents with property nearby will still be allowed in.