LONG-TERM issues with a ‘foul odour’ shrouding a community must finally be put right to protect residents after years of complaints, campaigners have warned.

Coun Neil Wright, who represents the St Helen’s ward, has been in ‘constant discussion’ with Carlton’s Glass Recycling UK facility following concerns of smells coming from the site.

The facility had been the subject of concern from local residents, particularly after rainfall, when smells were reported to be at their worst.

During the councillor’s visit with representatives in July last year, it was revealed that a new carbon filter system had been installed to combat the issue.

The new system was fully operational by last November, with Bob Crookes, environmental manager from Glass Recycling UK, committing to source cleaner stock to further reduce odours.

Whilst the meeting marked progress regarding tackling the problem, residents have complained that the business still isn’t doing enough.

Dave Gorman, of Clifton Close, Athersley, said: “It smells like a rubbish bin - it’s embarrassing when customers are coming to my wife’s business because if you had to choose between a business in an area that stinks and one that doesn’t, it’s obvious which people would pick.

“It’s not just where I am, it’s all across the area.

“I was walking down Laithes Lane and I could smell the glass factory.

“They should be taking precautions instead of waiting for complaints.

“This wouldn’t be allowed to happen in the town centre, but I feel like because it’s Athersley, people aren’t as bothered.”

Coun Wright told the Chronicle that the council are in an ongoing process to resolve the issue with the company.

“There’s no denying it’s unpleasant, especially on summer days.

“Over the years there have been lots of complaints and social media attention.

“People are obviously concerned about health implications.

“We aren’t going away - it’s an ongoing issue and we’re having a meeting with the company on February 27 for an update on what they’re doing to resolve it.”

Coun Dave Leech, who also represents the area, added: “We are dealing with any complaints we get and we pass them on to Glass Recycling UK for them hopefully to deal with.”

Natalie Cuthbert, of Long Acre, Carlton, told the Chronicle how she was concerned for the health of her young children.

“The smell has been ongoing for some time.

“I’ve lived at the property for four years and it’s at its worst in the morning and afternoon.

“My neighbours can smell it too and have reported it to the Environment Agency and the council.

“It’s so overpowering, especially in summer, and it’s disgusting.

“I’ve personally not received any response and it feels like I’m not being heard.

“There’s things they’ve put in place that haven’t worked.

“There’s glass dust on the pavements and in the area around the facility it’s on the road.

“My child goes to Carlton Primary School and the smell is overwhelming.

“I do wonder what he’s breathing in.”

Frustrated locals have flocked to social media to share their experiences about the issue.

The Facebook page - ‘Athersley and Carlton Stinks’ - has amassed more than 200 members since its creation last week.

One of the group’s founding members, Sarah Roper, explained her motivation behind starting the group.

“It’s there to gather evidence and other residents’ comments about how the odour from the glass factory affects them,” she said.

“Hopefully we can eventually gather evidence to arrange a meeting with the relevant organisations to help and reduce the odour, so we can enjoy our homes and gardens.

“Another hope is that there will be a resolution if we raise this concern in numbers rather than independently, as it feels at the moment we are not been listened to or being taken seriously.”

Bob Crookes, environmental manager for Glass Recycling UK, said the firm’s ‘working closely with Barnsley Council and the Environment Agency’.

“Glass Recycling UK process and recycle material collected from local council kerbside collections only,” he told the Chronicle.

“We continue to work closely with the Barnsley Council and the Environment Agency to adhere to licence, permits and registrations.”

However, a spokesperson for the Environment Agency urged residents to continue reporting issues.

“We know how distressing this sort of situation can be for the community and have been working closely with Glass Recycling UK to address this issue, along with ensuring that they work within their environmental permit.

“We believe the problem was caused by a faulty system which has now been rectified and the odour should start to reduce shortly.

“However, we encourage members of the community to report any environmental issues to call our 24/7 hotline on 0800 807060.”

Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “We are aware of complaints relating to Glass Recycling UK and understand the frustration and concern this situation has caused for local residents.

“We have been contacted directly by a number of residents and want to reassure people that their concerns have been taken seriously.

“The Environment Agency is responsible for issuing the environmental permit for the site and is therefore the enforcing authority.

“As a result, Barnsley Council has very limited powers to take direct action in relation to odour complaints from this site.

“However, the council has carried out monitoring in response to residents’ concerns and has reported its findings to the Environment Agency who are responsible for any further enforcement action.”