A COUNCILLOR has spoken against a Chirk factory’s plans to increase the movement of lorries going in and out of its site by more than 150 each day.

Kronospan have submitted plans which if approved, would see an increase in the movement of HGVs passing through Chirk to the site by 182 per 24-hour period.

The proposed increase has come as a concern to Wrexham County Borough Councillor for the Chirk South ward Terry Evans.

Cllr Evans believes the increase could cause damage to roads and increase pollution in the area.

“There are already more than 600 lorries passing through Chirk heading to and from the site daily, so to add another 180 is a big increase,” he said.

“It’s an increase the roads can’t cope with – they’re in a state as it is.

“Drains in the area have been updated, yet the council are still having to repair them, which is something they can’t constantly be doing. They keep getting filled with wood chippings and dust which is damaging for them.

“Congestion is another issue as well.

“An extra 180 lorries, some of which must weigh close to 40 tonnes, can surely not be good for the state of the roads.

“We already have at least five major potholes in the area – you’ve only got to take a look around the area to see the roads just can’t take it.”

Cllr Evans highlighted pollution to be his main concern and said he fears for the health of schoolchildren in the area.

He added: “The extra lorries will mean more pollution in the area which is already a big concern of mine.

“This is especially dangerous for children going to schools in the area – it’s not healthy for the environment.

“There isn’t any monitoring equipment around Chirk to look at the levels of pollution.

“Overall, it’s very concerning.”

A spokesman for Kronospan said: “Firstly, it is important to bear in mind that the proposal to install an OSB production line at Chirk will help support the growing demand for this product for the UK housing market.

“It is a much more environmentally sympathetic product than conventional materials.

“While deliveries of timber by rail will increase substantially there will be a small increase in road traffic.

“At capacity, the increase will be approximately 180 movements (90 in and 90 out) per 24-hour period.

“During the peak day-time period this will average approximately an extra 12 movements (6 in and 6 out) per hour.

“The road has been recently resurfaced and such a small increase will only have a negligible impact on operational or highway safety conditions over the local highway network.”