Residents lose factory dust claims legal battle

More than 150 households in Chirk, Wrexham, lost their legal battle against a wood factory they claimed created a "legal nuisance"

Residents have lost their legal case against a wood factory which they claimed created dust that left them "unable to open their windows".

More than 150 households first took a group litigation against Kronospan Limited, Wrexham, in 2017, claiming that emissions of dust, odour and noise from the factory created a "legal nuisance".

Lawyers representing the residents said the judge concluded there were repeated and sometimes significant dust events linked to Kronospan, but it was not "regular enough to justify liability".

Neil Stockdale of legal firm Hugh James said the residents were "disappointed" by the ruling and were considering continuing their legal fight.

"We are considering an appeal because we believe the judge applied too high a threshold for liability in nuisance," Mr Stockdale said in a statement.

"The evidence showed repeated and significant dust events affecting residents' homes, and even the court's own indicative assessment of damages recognised the real impact on amenity."

Mr Stockdale is approaching some of those his firm represents to see if they have any other comment they wish to make following the case.

Kronospan said: "We are pleased to have achieved a positive verdict in the High Court private nuisance claim brought by a number of local residents.

"Kronospan remains committed to continuous improvement, minimising environmental impact and delivering long-term value to our employees, stakeholders and the Welsh economy."