On Friday December the 26th, the Liverpool Echo ran an article which was headlined.... 'WE'RE SORTED SAYS DUST ROW FACTORY.' A sub-headline kindly informs us that "Sonae installs new equipment to reduce Kirkby pollution." It was 12 months ago when Steve Gallagher Chief Exec of Knowsley Council said on the Roger Phillips show that Sonae's chimney extension was going to solve the problem. As we read more, we see that Knowsley Council have actually forgotten about the chimney extension and moved the goal-posts further to give Sonae till mid January 2004 before Knowsley Councils environmental officers 'reach a verdict' on whether things are 'SORTED'. Even then, the punishment if Sonae still pollute us is a pathetic fine. We need to actually threaten the Sonae management and Knowsley Councils Chief executives with Jail, only then will these people be accountable or 'SORTED'.

In October Sonae were given 42 days to improve or face a £50,000 fine, which is peanuts anyway to Sonae who have already paid more fines than the kids here who get 'Anti Social Behaviour Orders' and end up on Wanted Posters. In mid October 2003, Neil Turner, an environmental protection officer of Knowsley Council informed us that "I agree that there has been a dust problem associated with the Sonae plant. Officers have witnessed dust levels which I regard as unacceptable" But if the 42 day notice started in October, even if it began on October 31st, which still means that Sonae have over-ran the 42 day period. So, why didn't we just fine them and shut them down mid December?

Kirkby Fire Service Visit Sonae: Another 'Accident'?

Below, a close up of the fire engine, the occupants finding something of interest yet again in the Sonae factory. We bet Kirkby's Fire Fighters could find there way around blindfolded by now.


Kirkby Times can report that the Sonae chimney was off today as the factory is shut down for the festive season (Dec 28 2003), and it was also bought to Kirkby Times attention that the Fire services were in attendance at the Sonae Factory. I decided to visit the factory and take a few photos, but was unable to find out what the fire service were doing there. Maybe one of the lads will be kind enough to inform the people of Kirkby why they were there today.

Below, the Sonae Dust road inside the factory grounds.


Below, this photo shows the rubbish lying in Sonae's grounds. The surrounding area outside the factory is a tip and needs some work clearing it up. The massive Sonae mounds were host to half a dozen motor bikers at the time. Thanks Sonae, the mounds meant to stop noise are helping to create even more noise for fed up nearby residents.


Let's hope that 2004 can see the Sonae polluters kicked out of our Town. The people of Kirkby don't want it - therefore in the interests of democracy they should just leave.

Note: Sonae is expected to re-open tomorrow,(Dec 29th 2003) unless there's been another incident today.