Since Berry Circular Polymers (a plastics recycling plant) opened in January 2023 in a residential area in Leamington Spa/Whitnash, thousands of people have been plagued by swarms of flies in their homes, rancid smells, and intolerable noise making daily life unbearable.

As raised on BBC News, Sky News and in The Houses of Parliament by MP, Matt Western, The Rural Affairs and Environment Minister is now aware and we await action.

Local residents united in 2023 to constructively address the issue with Warwick District Council and The Environment Agency. Over a year after whistleblowing this major public health and environmental crisis, (despite the agencies identifying and agreeing the source) the plant remains fully operational.

In this densely populated area, the unexpected and devastating consequences have impacted people, businesses, and professionals (including those commuting out of the area working in hospitals who can’t work due to lack of sleep or illness). Children can’t eat their food, basic hygiene is almost impossible to maintain due to the flies and their faeces. The flies crawl over people throughout the day and night making it impossible to sleep or concentrate. People are falling ill. People have to keep windows and doors shut to try and manage the smells which result in headaches and nausea. People cannot enjoy the outdoors and cyclists take alternative routes to avoid passing the area. Homes are being devalued and businesses have been severely impacted through loss of trade.

Research from Strathclyde University highlights the dangers of microplastics released into the air and water, posing serious health risks to residents. The site was designated for light industrial use, yet it’s processing 100,000 tons of contaminated waste plastics. This heavy industrial activity is wholly unsuitable for a residential area, especially one near food establishments and a hospital.

This fund has been established to enable the community campaigning to continue (i.e. to help cover costs of materials for print or travel for posters, banners or meeting resources) and to build our legal fund should we need to take united legal action this year. Please note that donated funds will be managed by the core group of residents representing the community. In the event of funds remaining after a resolution has been found, these will be donated to an appropriate local charity, or somehow divided to those most impacted if compensation is agreed.

Thank you for your support.