Recycling plant forced to take action after 'biblical' fly infestation
A metal recycling plant has been issued with an enforcement notice as part of an investigation to identify why flies have been plaguing a seaside community.
Shops surrounding affected areas in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, ran out of fly spray during the last heatwave with locals saying they believed the infestation was linked to a recycling plant.
Environmental watchdog Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has now confirmed that its investigation into the "recent increase in fly activity" in Glanymor, Llanelli, had "substantiated that a source" was AMG Resources.
The company, which has been given 21 days' notice to take action and "bring the matter under control", has declined to comment.
Previously, NRW said it did not think the plant was "currently contributing to the reported increase in flies".
The plant also said, at that time, that it was not the source of the flies and had pest control measures in place.
However, in an update issued by NRW on Wednesday, it said it had served the company with an enforcement notice "requiring the operator to take action to address issues relating to the management of waste on site and bring operations back into compliance with the conditions of its permit".
The environmental watchdog said it recognised the "significant impact" the flies were having on residents and the wider area.
"We will continue to drive efforts to secure a swift and lasting resolution for local residents," said NRW.
Carmarthenshire Council said it had "invested significant resources to help tackle the issue" and would continue to monitor the situation.
The fly problem was first reported in 2018 but Llanelli residents claim pest control measures haven't worked and the flies return in hot weather, particularly during the current heatwaves.
More than 800 residents are now part of a local "fly infestation" Facebook group, with people reporting issues in the Seaside, Morfa and Tyisha areas of the south-west Wales town.
"I like cooking and baking but I've had to stop it," said Gill Phillips, 69, speaking previously. "As soon as I get any food out the flies swarm."
"They're landing on me as I try to eat food, they land on my food which puts me off."
In a statement on Wednesday, councillor Aled Vaughan Owen, Carmarthenshire council cabinet member for public health, said the local authority had "invested significant resources to help tackle the issue".
He said that included inspections of potential source locations and implementing mitigation measures, including using "strategically located fly traps" in the affected area.
"We will continue to review the situation carefully and work with partner organisations to take any appropriate action to protect residents and minimise nuisance," he said.
