A series of complaints about malfunctions at Rugby Cement, which apparently caused dust to rain down on parts of Newbold, are being investigated by the Environment Agency. Several readers contacted the Rugby Advertiser complaining about dust problems following the incident shortly after 5am on October 5.
The Environment Agency confirmed this week an investigation into the complaints has started. EA spokeswoman Lynne Fraley said officers were investigating five complaints from four different residents.
She added: "We’ve had a number of reports of incidents relating to the plant and part of the investigation is to establish exactly when they took place as this isn’t immediately clear."
But Rugby Cement general manager Bob Millard played down the incidents. He told the Advertiser: "We have experienced a few minor process interruptions in the last month but high levels of cement production have been maintained. The interruptions have been due to natural variations in the raw materials from Lodge Farm quarry which have been quickly remedied. As appropriate the Environment Agency has been kept informed and we are operating within our permit conditions."
