Public frustration is mounting over a lane next to a chemical works labelled as “dangerous” by concerned residents..
Linthwaite residents, a local councillor and MP have all raised their concerns about a lack of action to make Lees Mill Lane safe, the site of Grosvenor Chemicals Ltd, despite launching a campaign almost three years ago.
They believe that urgent action needs to be taken by the company to improve the road to prevent accidents involving lorries that have to travel along the narrow and steep lane to access the plant.
Grosvenor Chemicals agreed nine months ago to submit plans to Kirklees Council to widen it, improve the surface and make it suitable for lorries to travel down but is still yet to do so.
Bosses have so far obtained initial approval from Kirklees Council, which owns a piece of the land that they want to use to expand their entrance to the site but is yet to reach an agreement with an unknown party who owns an adjoining piece of the road.
It must do this before it can apply for planning permission.
Gordon Ratcliffe, a nearby resident and one member of the Colne Valley Action Group, which was set up after a major fire at the factory in 2010, said: “We are very concerned about the lack of progress that has been made.
“The company is just dragging its heels.
“The road is far too narrow for lorries at present and it needs a skid resistant surface because it’s steep.
“It’s very dangerous for people who use it daily or while walking along the Colne Valley Way.
“When a lorry comes passed you’re forced to climb onto a wall to get out of the way.
“It’s just not acceptable.”
Donna Bellamy, Conservative councillor for Colne Valley, said she was equally worried about the lack of progress on improving the lane.
She said: “It’s very frustrating that nothing has been done and I just wish they’d get the application in and do something to stop it being so dangerous.”
Meanwhile, Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney, said: “The relationship between the factory and the residents has been fraught to say the least recently.
I think it’s really important that the management work hard to rebuild relationships with the public by addressing these concerns.”
Grosvenor Chemicals were contacted four times regarding the application but failed to give a response.
