Council Attacks Factory Dust

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31974, 29 April 1969, Page 16

Council Attacks Factory Dust

The dust nuisance caused when machinery broke down at the Mandeville Street factory of Fletcher Industries. Ltd. was discussed by the Riccarton Borough Council at its meeting last evening.

Councillors expressed dissatisfaction with the situaition and agreed that the ad- ; vice of the borough solicitor should be sought on how the problem could be solved. The Mayor (Mr R. W. J. Harrington) said that recently he had a ring from residents in Mandeville Street asking him to go and see the dust that had come from the factory. “What I saw was hard to believe.” said Mr Harrington. “Dust completely covered the area and it looked as though a huge load of fine sawdust had been spread over everything for a distance of 100 yards.” He was told there had been a breakdown in factory machinery. said Mr Harrington. Where there were windows open in houses across the road the dust-went into bedding. clothing, food and all through the houses. "We are criticised for doing nothing, but our hands are tied by the Town and Country Planning Act. 1 feel that the only thing we can suggest is that these people claim damages from Fletchers. “1 am wondering if the Act can be altered to cover such

a situation and with this in ( view we will be discussing i the matter with our solid- ■ tor.” said Mr Harrington. ■ He said that the nuisance was always accidental and the council always got a very nice letter from Fletchers and they went to a great deal of trouble to clear up things, but it was felt that residents should have some protection Cr F. R Longley said the council had been plagued with the dust nuisance from | the factory and that the patience of the people in the area had been stretched far enough.