Council confirm they are investigating Kronospan incident – MP demands urgent answers

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones says she has made immediate representations to Wrexham Council and Natural Resources Wales after large areas of Chirk became covered in debris due to an accidental discharge from the nearby Kronospan site.

You can read our report earlier today on the incident including more picture and video of the fibre snow here.

Susan Elan Jones MP, who contacted the Kronospan plant directly for an explanation, said: “Following last night’s incident, my constituents deserve a proper explanation in relation to what has occurred. As with previous cases, I have made immediate representations to Wrexham Council and to Natural Resources Wales.”

“I do of course recognise that Kronospan is a very important local employer. I appreciate the importance of the industry. However, this situation is completely unacceptable and untenable for my constituents. Clearly urgent answers are needed along with assurances that this will never happen again”.

Chirk North Councillor, Frank Hemmings said: “A meeting with the Environment Liaison Group, the Town Council and Kronospan will take place on Monday. Kronospan will be expected to provide Natural Resources Wales and Wrexham Council with explanations regarding this worrying incident”.

We spoke with Natural Resources Wales to ask if they would be investigating, they told us: “The incident was reported to us yesterday evening, but it happened on the part of the site that is regulated by Wrexham County Borough Council.”

“We sent a notification of the incident to the operator and to WCBC, who will now lead on the investigation.”

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “The Kronospan site benefits from an environmental permit issued by Wrexham Council, one of the conditions of which is that the operator controls any dust emissions.

“As part of that permit, the operator has a duty to inform the council of any emissions off-site, as experienced yesterday evening. We have been notified in accordance with that permit.

“The operator immediately stopped the process and has since instigated a clean-op operation on and off site.

“Wrexham Council officers are currently investigating the circumstances of the incident in accordance with agreed procedures.

“Once that investigation is completed, the Council will consider if any further action is required.”

You can read our report earlier today on the incident including more picture and video of the fibre snow here.