Runcorn residents ‘on death row’ as they’re plagued by ‘infestation of rats and flies’ after ‘monstrosity’ incinerator installed

Runcorn residents have claimed they are on “death row” as they detail what it’s like living next to the UK’s largest incinerator.

When plans were first announced for the Runcorn incinerator, residents in the area were told the site would have a “low visual impact”.

Then, following a “nuisance claim” against the plant operator Viridor last year, people living and working nearby were offered around £4,600 each to settle out of court.

However, if they chose to accept the money, they were forced to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement which would prevent them from speaking to the press.

George Parker, who was just one of five people to reject the deal, owns a car mechanic business next door to the plant’s site.

Parker said the reason he turned down the money is because he feels what’s being done next door to his place of work is “criminal”.

He went on to express his concerns about the potential impact the plant could be having on his and his employee’s long-term health.

He said: “You wake up with coughs and colds…my son is only young, and he basically owns the business now, so he’s going to be here another 30, maybe 40 years.

“What impact is it going to have on him? We don’t know what’s coming out of those chimneys.”

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Another local resident, Mandy Royle, who owns the house closest to the plant said she’s also worried for her health, stating that her house is “damp” and that she wakes up every day “with sniffles”.

Describing other impacts of the plant, she said: “In the summer, the flies are horrendous, rats have increased, and now, we get seagulls as well.

“As soon as I open my curtains, it’s just there. I’m reminded of it every day when I wake up.”

Viridor declined to comment when approached by GB News.

However, the Environment Agency said: “We have never been able to substantiate any complaints about odour, rats, seagulls or flies from the site, despite frequent visits by our officers.

“We continue to carry out regular site inspections and audits to ensure the operator is meeting the conditions of its environmental permit.”

Royle added that, since the site opened, she has lost business and the value of her house has decreased.

She said: “It’s a monstrosity… and I bet Mr Viridor hasn’t got one in his front garden.

“Just because it’s a poor area, they think ‘we’ll put it there – small people aren’t going to be able to fight this so we’ll put them on death row’.”