RESIDENTS in an Earby street have called for action to tackle emissions from a nearby factory.

People living in Shuttleworth Street say they have been blighted by residue from Wardle Storeys for a number of years.

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Sue Hayes, 59, said: “For quite a few years it’s been a problem.

“They’ve got this big chimney and once a week it throws out all over our cars and windows in the street.

“We’ve been in touch with them a few times and they’ve said they’re going to sort it but they haven’t.

“They send people round to clean but it’s not good enough.

“It’s plastics. We don’t know what’s in it. There are a lot of babies and children in this street. We’re thinking about getting a petition together because we’ve had enough.”

The factory manufactures polymer films and coated fabrics.

Alun Hall, managing director of Wardle Storeys, acknowledged there had been a problem but said the company was trying to solve it, and added that the residue was not dangerous. He said: “We have been talking with local authorities and we’ve kept in close contact with residents.

“We have reassured all that emissions from our factory are clearly a nuisance, but not a health risk. We’re happy to keep engaging with local residents.

“We’re working towards a solution, which we think we have in hand. We’re working through a process of elimination.”

Pendle Council’s public health manager Richard Walsh said the authority would investigate Mrs Hayes’ concerns.

He said: “In March 2013 Wardle Storey experienced a malfunction with a heat exchange component. This caused some plasticiser residue to fall out onto neighbouring properties.

“The operator was quick to address the issue, which involved revisions to preventative maintenance procedures and the installation of new parts.

“They also arranged for clean-up work to be carried out by specialists.

“We have had no further complaints since that work was completed towards the end of summer 2013.”

He said the council regulated the process through a permit issued under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010. The permit sets out the conditions under which the process can be operated.

He added: “The permit is drafted in accordance with Process Guidance Notes issued by DEFRA.

“One condition is that the operator has their emissions tested annually.

“The results of these tests show that the emissions from Wardle Storeys are well within limitsset out in the guidance. Therefore we have no concerns about any health impacts.”