Communities are frustrated by a lingering ‘wet mop’ smell, prompting residents to enlist the help of their local MP and form a Facebook group to document the issue.
Residents in multiple communities across North Wales have been grappling with a persistent and foul odour that has driven many to seek assistance from their local MP. Over the years, the unpleasant smell, which residents describe as akin to a “wet mop,” has particularly affected areas including Connah’s Quay, Hawarden, Broughton, and Shotton. The intensity of the odour has been such that some individuals have found it necessary to remain indoors to escape what has become an overwhelming nuisance.
The source of the odour has been a point of contention, with Flintshire County Council (FCC) suggesting in October 2023 that a wastewater treatment facility in Queensferry, operated by Welsh Water, may be the cause. Despite these claims, residents assert that little has changed in terms of alleviating the problem. Vikki Foulkes, a local resident, expressed the community’s growing frustration in a letter, labelling the odour as “unpredictable, persistent, and seemingly unaffected by wind direction or weather conditions.”
To bring about change, nearly 1,000 residents have formed a Facebook group dedicated to documenting these occurrences. Ms Foulkes noted that concerned citizens are not only reporting the offensive smell but are also linking it to concerning health symptoms, including nose bleeds received by Claire Marie’s son, which she suspects could stem from the noxious odour and deteriorating air quality.
Local MP Mark Tami has been approached by ten residents regarding the issue and conveyed his concern, stating, “I’m incredibly concerned to be told some people are experiencing health issues they believe to be connected to the smell and will be raising this as a matter of urgency.” Councillor Dale Selvester, who represents Queensferry and Sealand, stated that a public meeting had been requested to discuss the unpleasant smell but regrettably mentioned that FCC declined due to ongoing investigations. “I have made it very clear this needs to be resolved as soon as possible and residents cannot suffer anymore,” he added.
Flintshire County Council has reported progress in their investigation into the persistent stench impacting the Sandycroft area. The council has been working since April 2023 alongside Natural Resources Wales, Public Health Wales, and Welsh Water to identify the smell’s source. An independent air quality report commissioned by the council has recently been completed and distributed among key organisations thought to be connected to the odour, allowing them an opportunity to address the findings.
Councillor Chris Bithell, responsible for planning, public health and public protection, said, “We want to reassure the community that we are taking this issue very seriously and are doing everything we can. This is a long and complex process and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our residents who have supported the investigation so far. I encourage residents to continue to report the odour when it occurs and to include details of their location.”
In response to the ongoing concerns, a spokesperson for Welsh Water stated, “We are continuing to work with partner agencies on this issue. However, our investigations to date have shown our assets are not responsible for the reported ‘wet mop’ odour in parts of Flintshire.”
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/news-and-blogs/news/public-bodies-commit-to-stop-odour-at-withyhedge-landfill/?lang=en – This URL supports the involvement of public bodies like Natural Resources Wales in addressing odour issues at landfills, which parallels the efforts by Flintshire County Council and other agencies to investigate and resolve similar problems.
- https://wrexham.com/news/closing-the-site-would-not-immediately-get-rid-of-the-odours-say-nrw-over-hafod-stench-265161.html – This article highlights the challenges of managing odours from landfills, even after potential closures, which underscores the complexity of resolving such issues as described in the article.
- https://wrexham.com/news/nrw-asked-for-urgent-action-as-landfill-smell-still-overwhelming-during-the-day-255667.html – This URL illustrates the urgency and community impact of persistent odour issues from landfills, similar to the concerns raised by residents in North Wales.
- https://www.publichealthwales.org.uk/ – This website represents Public Health Wales, which is involved in assessing health impacts related to environmental issues, aligning with the health concerns mentioned in the article.
- https://www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/ – Natural Resources Wales plays a crucial role in environmental regulation and addressing odour complaints, similar to their involvement in other areas of Wales.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative mentions recent investigations and events, such as Flintshire County Council’s progress since April 2023 and Welsh Water’s ongoing involvement. However, there is no specific mention of very recent developments or updates beyond October 2023.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
Direct quotes from local residents and officials like Mark Tami and Councillor Dale Selvester are included. These quotes appear original and specific to this context, as they do not seem to be widely referenced in other online sources.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Post, a reputable local news source in North Wales. However, the reliability could be further enhanced with additional corroboration from national or international news outlets.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about a persistent odour and its impact on residents are plausible, given the involvement of local authorities and residents’ reports. The narrative provides specific details about affected areas and ongoing investigations.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be current and well-supported by local sources. The inclusion of direct quotes and ongoing investigations enhances its credibility. While additional national coverage could further validate the story, the information provided is plausible and well-documented.
