Dust cloud making us ill, say campaigners

The Mossley Environmental Action Group (MEAG) which includes soap actors Nicole Barber-Lane and Liam Fox (centre), is calling for an investigation into mysterious health problems in the area. Picture: Alan Bishop Photography

AN AIR-quality expert has backed a Mossley community group whose members believe dust from a wood recycling plant is making them ill.

The Mossley Environment Action Group — which includes two soap actors — is calling for an investigation into mysterious health problems in the area.

The Environment Agency says the dust at the Plevin plant in Cheshire Street is within regulations.

But campaigners, including Nicole Barber-Lane from Hollyoaks and her husband Liam Fox from Emmerdale, have been told by retired scientist Graham Cliff the authorities should respond to scientific findings over the recycling business.

Mr Cliff and the group appeared on last night’s BBC1 Inside Out programme, which asked if Government regulations protect local residents.

Mr Cliff said: “I was in Mossley recently and couldn’t believe I could taste and smell wood dust on a cold and wet February outside residents’ homes.

“It tells me this is only possible if there is a significant amount of fine dust in the air - and it’s the smallest particles that do most harm.”

Dozens living within close proximity have complained of symptoms including nose-bleeds and migraines. One woman suffered erosion of her nasal septum – the dividing cartilage between the nostrils.

Plevin’s MD said its environmental responsibilities are “paramount to the whole operation”.

Jamie Plevin added: “We operate within the law in a heavily regulated industry. Monitoring of our site by the Environmental Agency has demonstrated no breach of its air standards.”



::The Chronicle has previously reported on MEAG protests and marches around the site and that the Environment Agency is monitoring air quality.