Llyr Gruffydd MS Member of the Senedd for North Wales

Ongoing pollution issues in a north Wales town have been raised by Llyr Gruffydd MS, who has described Chirk as a ‘forgotten town’.

In a question in the Senedd chamber recently, Mr Gruffydd asked for action to prevent recurring issues with microfibres in the environment: “Could I request a statement, again, from the Cabinet Secretary for climate change, but this time regarding industrial pollution from the Kronospan site in Chirk in my region? In recent months, long-standing problems with emissions from the site have intensified. Clouds of microfibres from the plant blight hundreds of homes on a regular basis and that, in turn, clearly raises concerns amongst local people about any impact that's having on their health. 

“A recent public meeting in the town heard that, despite acknowledging that the problem existed, the company's management was unable to pinpoint the source of the pollution. Clearly that should be a further cause of concern, particularly for the public body charged with monitoring the plant, Natural Resources Wales, but they don't appear to be responding effectively either to local concerns, in particular in terms of the impact on health.

“I'm asking for a statement from the Government, outlining what steps you will take to help resolve this situation and how you will step in and protect the health of those living near the site. In fact, I'd call for a health assessment to measure the long-term impact of this ongoing pollution on people's well-being. The long-suffering citizens of Chirk need to know what practical steps this Government is now going to take to make sure that industrial pollution at Chirk is minimised, and that public health and public safety are maximised.”

Jane Hutt, Business Secretary, responded:  “This is something—again, we have the Cabinet Secretary here—where we need to know about these concerns from local residents, particularly in terms of industrial pollution and the impact this site is having in Chirk. So, again, it would be helpful if you could write to the Cabinet Secretary, but he's already here to note and to follow it up, not just with his officials, but clearly with the regulator, NRW.”

Speaking later Mr Gruffydd said: “Residents have complained time and time again to the company and NRW over odours and the microfibres being released from the factory. One has commented that the Clean Air Act applies to every part in Wales – except Chirk it seems. Air monitoring equipment that is meant to keep residents safe does not, in fact, monitor microfibres or odours. Chirk appears to be a forgotten town when it comes to ensuring residents’ safety.”