Stench from landfill site not easing, say residents

'PEOPLE SEE NO ACTION ... OUR COMPLAINTS FALLING ON DEAF EARS'

- By ALEC DOYLE Local Democracy Reporter

PEOPLE living near Hafod landfill site in Wrexham have rejected claims that the smell situation is improving - with some saying they have simply given up complaining.

Last week, Cllr Dave Bithell, and Lead Member for Strategic Planning and Public Protection Cllr Hugh Jones, said improvements were being made, with complaints about the odours in Johnstown, Ruabon, Ponciau and Rhostyllen falling from 240 in January to just seven last month.

But residents say there has been no significant change in the odour problems at the site.

"Many of us believe our complaints are falling on deaf ears," said campaigner Steve Gittins.

"That, coupled with the fact that the smells from the landfill typically ease off in drier weather, is the reason complaints have fallen.

"People see no action. There is a stakeholder group to liaise with Enovert, NRW and Wrexham Council but what's actually being done to fix the issue?

"We've lived with this for 18 years. In all that time nothing was done - now we have to wait while data is incrementally collected and analysed. We need a solution."

His concerns were echoed by other residents.

"I have written numerous letters to complain about this matter for years and years," said 85-year-old Evelyn Roberts of Johnstown. "But I gave up.

"I have COPD and my doctors tell me I need to get fresh air so I have to go to Llangollen two or three times a week. How disgraceful is that? I am paying my rates to Wrexham Council yet I have go elsewhere for essential fresh air."