CHIRK residents deserve to know why there has been a lack of an inquiry into the fire at the Kronospan factory in the town, according to a North Wales politician.

Plaid Cymru's Llyr Gruffydd, who represents North Wales at the Welsh Senedd, has asked again about the inquiry into the blaze, two years on from a devastating fire at the Kronospan factory in the town.

The fire started along a wall of raw timber and did not spread into the factory, but residents were impacted upon by the smoke for a number of days as firefighters from across North Wales struggled to bring it under control.

Mr Gruffydd, who repeated his call for an inquiry from a year ago, believes residents deserves to know why the devastating event took place.

He said: "The fire took place two years ago in January 2020 and the initial report was due back in April, 2020.

"Of course the Covid pandemic hit us in the meantime and I completely understand why resources and officers were diverted to dealing with that emergency.

"However, I think the people of Chirk and all those affected by the fire and ongoing pollution problems do deserve to know what is happening and it's important that we get an update on the inquiry and when it is likely to report back.

"Since the fire, I have had continual updates from local residents about pollution affecting them that emanates from the plant.

"So this needs resolving and, despite the ongoing pressures on staff due to the pandemic, I hope we can get an answer from Wrexham Council about when they expect the report into the fire is likely to see the light of day."

A Wrexham Borough Council spokesman said that an inquiry cannot start until an investigation into how it started is completed legally.

They said: "The matters in relation to activity undertaken prior, during and after the fire by Kronospan is still subject to an investigation by Public Protection Officers.

"The demands of the Covid pandemic on the Service in addition to the impact on Kronospan to provide information and assist Officers during 2020 caused by reduced activity on site has delayed the investigation.

“The site benefits from an environmental permit and as such the investigation relates to potential breaches of permit conditions.

"As such the matter will follow relevant legal processes and consideration. The matter is yet to be concluded.”