Residents of Kirkby have been able to breathe a deep sigh of relief as the past week or so has seen the Sonae factory shut down its 24hr operation. As usual, neither Knowsley Council nor Sonae can say what's happening - is this a shut down for maintenance? - Or is it another 'unforeseen plant failure'. Keep an eye on them because were just as likely to wake up one day and see the promised chimney extension - or the first train carrying its load waking up residents in the early hours. Knowsley Council won't tell us anything.

Just like last year when Kirkby times reported on Sonae being closed for a short while, the Dust Mountains have been allowed to build up and lorries keep delivering this dust. When the wind blows the wrong way - Northwood in particular is covered with this carcinogenic material. The people of Northwood Kirkby already have an extremely worrying rate of cancers and respiratory disease, we are being treated like sh**. Sorry for including the swearword there, but it has to be said.

Below, Sonae's Dust mountains as photographed on 20th Aug 2003. You can gauge the size of the dust mountains by the car and people seen on the field

KATS - where are they?

A few appeals have been made for Knowsley against Toxic Sonae to get in touch and publicise meetings and activities. No doubt there will be criticism but KATS have so far NOT done much to actually raise the issue of Sonae. Mention KATS to local people and they'll likely say "Who" or think your referring to the feline species. There are dozens of 'community activists' in Kirkby who have the skills and talents to make KATS an effective organisation. So far we have seen no real attempt to unite these people. As ever in Kirkby's political circles there are some who may feel being outspoken against Sonae may hinder any future career here. Speak out against Sonae and you speak out against the Council. Maybe that's why so few people from Kirkby's political circles have chosen to come forward to support KATS. If anyone from KATs etc is reading this, please bear in mind that no-one knows what's happening with KATS - I hope things work out and welcome anyone from KATS to have their say.

More soon on Sonae, unfortunately!