We dwell subsequent to Britain’s BIGGEST incinerator – it is hell
Locals living in the shadow of the UK’s biggest waste incinerator feel there is ‘no escape’ after their homes and businesses were left ‘worthless.’
The Runcorn Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) burns nearly a millions tonnes of household waste each year.
The £462m power plant on Picow Farm Road became operational in 2015, but residents who live yards from the site soon started complaining about the air quality, noise and vermin.
Operators, Viridor, have said that the noise and odour coming from the plant stays within levels that are regulated by the Environment Agency.
Locals living in the shadow of the UK’s biggest waste incinerator feel there is ‘no escape’ after their homes and businesses were left ‘worthless.’ Mandy Royal said: ‘I have lived here for 30 years and did not want the site to open’
The £462m power plant on Picow Farm Road became operational in 2015, but residents who live yards from the site soon started complaining about the air quality, noise and vermin
George Parker owns a body shop yards from the waste facility. He said his customers are put of my the foul smell of The Runcorn Energy Recovery Facility
Solicitors representing householders argued they had experienced asthma, sleep deprivation and reduced quality of life.
The legal action resulted in Viridor paying out £1m to 180 locals, who all signed non-disclosure agreements which stopped them from speaking out the press.
However a handful of rebels rejected the deal, and spoke to the Mail about the reality of life in the warren of streets next to the vast waste plant.
Mandy Royle, whose pretty Coronation Street style terrace overlooks the site, said: ‘My home is now worthless so why would I accept £4,000. It does not solve my problem.
‘I need a fresh start in a new house away from this monstrosity.
‘I have lived here for 30 years and did not want the site to open. We knew this would happen. The truth is that nobody wants this next to their home, that is why I can’t sell my house. There is no escape for me now.
Operators, Viridor, have said that the noise and odour coming from the plant stays within levels that are regulated by the Environment Agency but residents allege they have experienced asthma, sleep deprivation and reduced quality of life
‘It’s been hell from day one really. The air stinks and my breathing has deteriorated.
‘We have rats prowling around night and day, dragging things around and leaving big teeth marks. Horrible really.’
But Mandy’s main concern are the emissions which pour from the site next door.
She said: ‘They burn household waste and my concern is that people dump all kinds of things in the bin these days, including batteries. I now have breathing issues and I have been diagnosed with COPD ( a lung disease that affects breathing.)’
Mandy also claimed the air is so putrid that fumes had created a ‘little micro-climate’ and alleged ‘we never get snow here’.
However, there is no evidence emissions from the incinerator have had any effect on weather in the area.
She added: ‘My home is now worthless and my health is falling away. Why would I accept £4000 to keep quiet.
‘I just feel let down and forgotten.’
George Parker, who owns a body shop yards from the waste facility, also refused to sign the NDA.
Here a closed down pub in the area is pictured. Some locals feel businesses have been left ‘worthless’ by effects of the incinerator
Mr Parker said: ‘My customers all say the same thing when they arrive here; ‘what is that f****** smell.’ I used to notice it but not anymore because I am used to it.
‘We did not want the plant to open because we knew it would ruin the area. I refused to sign the legal agreement because a few thousands pounds is no good to me.
‘I need a yard in a new site away from this place. The so called compo payment was a pittance.’
Mr Parker expressed how he was also fed up with vermin. He said: ‘I have fought a running battle with rats – they are everywhere now. Some of them are good size too and get inside some of the cars and the office.
‘Look I am a bloke but it must be hard for mums with children in the area.’ Mr Parker said he was now considering moving his business to a storage facility that he owned.
He added: ‘We own a storage yard and could potentially move our business there. That looks like my only way out of this nightmare. I would struggle to sell the land here for obvious reasons.’
The business owner was concerned for others too.
He explained: ‘The emissions from this site blow westerly and my concern is that all this stuff is going across the country. So yes its an issue for others too.
‘Common sense suggests it can’t be good for you.’
Mr Parker said he has lodged complaints to the various authorities including the Environment Agency.
He added: ‘The complaint process is horrible. And at the end of it nothing happens.’
A woman who lived in a terraced house near the site, who asked not be named, said: ‘Yes I took the money because what can you do. That thing is not going to go away anytime soon. I just think we have go to like or lump it.’
The BBC reported that the waste site has breached its permit 17 times in the last five years.
A spokesperson for Viridor, which runs the Runcorn plant, said: ‘We are heavily regulated by the Environment Agency in terms of noise and odour and remain within permitted levels.
‘We receive very few complaints, but any that we do receive are fully investigated and feedback is provided to residents through the local liaison forum.’
In relation to the legal action by residents a spokesperson for Viridor said: ‘We will not be making any comment in relation to the resolution of this dispute.
‘Matters of this nature are generally confidential for all parties, so Viridor is unable to provide you with further information in relation to the conclusion of the proceedings.’
