A SENIOR North Wales Senedd member has called for a health impact statement from the Welsh Government at Chirk’s Kronospan factory.

Llyr Gruffydd, member for North Wales, spoke in the chamber last week calling for a long-term assessment of the impact of dust being pumped out of the factory on the town’s health.

In recent weeks, residents have complained to Natural Resources Wales – the factory’s regulator – about dust landing on their properties and now their case was taken up by the MS.

He said: “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 among 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, NRW, 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.”

He added: “Chirk appears to be a forgotten town when it comes to ensuring residents’ safety.”

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates also said he hopes a resolution can be found.

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He said: “I am regularly copied in on complaints to Kronospan from constituents, and in turn make regular representations to the company and Natural Resources Wales on behalf of local residents.

“I also meet with the company on a regular basis to ensure residents’ concerns are heard and receive comprehensive reports from NRW detailing any incidents and complaints.

“Several years ago all parties agreed to work together to try to improve outcomes for the community, and that remains the case.

“I will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure Kronospan continues to operate within the terms of its permits.”

Kronospan was approached for comment.