AN INVESTIGATION is under way after Ruthin residents raised concerns about great plumes of “smoke” shrouding the town, leaving a trail of “nuisance odours” in its path.
Denbighshire County Council (DCC), leading the investigation along with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), is looking into complaints made about the smoke and smells in the Glasdir area of Ruthin.
It comes following several complaints made both to the council directly and on the ‘Fans of Ruthin’ Facebook page.
Social media users on there have raised further concerns about the smoke causing ‘hazardous’ driving conditions in the area, as well as ‘loud noises’ coming from nearby machinery.
One local who got in touch with the Denbighshire Free Press, but wished to remain anonymous, said: “I’ve lived here ten years and I’m very worried about the effects it could be having on my health.
“We have all been complaining for months and not once have we heard back from anyone with any reassurance that it poses no health risks. I first contacted natural resources to complain about it last summer.”
Residents claim that, on some days, the emissions can be seen from as far out as Denbigh - six miles away.
Glasdir residents say they have been reporting the issue for “several months” and, on occasions, the estate can be “covered in smoke”.
They have also raised concerns about the effects it could have on nearby schools; Ysgol Stryd y Rhos and Ysgol Penbarras.
NRW and DCC are set to visit the area this week to conduct a further investigation.
NRW’s Industry Regulation Team Leader, Julia Frost said: “We are currently investigating the report of nuisance odour and smoke in the Ruthin area in partnership with Denbighshire County Council in order to establish the cause and agree on actions going forward.”
Denbighshire county councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts said: “We are working closely with NRW to establish the root of the problem which is not just affecting Ruthin residents, but those in the surrounding areas also.”
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