Mounting concern

Photo: Chris Gleave

TROUBLE is piling up: Donna Lilley, with the wood mounds in the distance.

Firm denies wood piles to blame for ill-health
A CAMPAIGN group which caught the eye of Erin Brokovich has stepped up its fight against a recycling plant.

As the Chronicle reported some weeks ago, Mossley Environmental Action Group (MEAG) is calling for a thorough investigation into mysterious health problems in the area.

Dozens living within close proximity have complained of symptoms including nose-bleeds and migraines.

One woman suffered the erosion of the nasal septum — the part of the nose which divides the nostrils.

Now, campaigner Donna Lilley suspects waste timber recycling firm R Plevin & Sons may be to blame but the firm has told the Chronicle it is “certain” it is not the source of any alleged health issues.

Donna said: “The wood piles have grown immensely over the last two to three years, turning from bonfire-size into mountains. More wood, more dust and noise.

“How much of this dust is it safe to breathe in? Our homes, cars and windows get covered in it.”

Erin Brokovich, played by Oscar winner Julia Roberts in the 2000 hit film, advised the group and provided a list of airborne toxins earlier this year.

The activist was instrumental in constructing a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, of California in 1993.

Despite no evidence of wrongdoing by Plevins, the group is continuing to liaise with dust analysts and toxicologists.

A spokesman forR Plevin & Sons, based on Cheshire Street, said: “We are certain our site is not the source of these alleged health problems.

“Nevertheless, as a responsible neighbour that has been operating in this community since 1995, we are happy to take part in additional tests, which are to be carried out by the Environment Agency in the autumn.

“We are confident the results will exonerate us.”