Runcorn residents battle rat infestation near UK's largest incinerator

In Runcorn, Cheshire, UK, the community is facing significant challenges due to the nearby Runcorn Energy Recovery Facility (ERF), which began operations in 2015. Locals have raised concerns about various issues, including an increase in vermin, noise disturbances, and declining air quality. Residents report that their homes have become infested with rats, which exacerbates the stressful living conditions. Many have claimed that the impact on their health includes sleep deprivation and respiratory problems. Viridor, the facility's operator, has acknowledged complaints but maintains that it operates within the regulatory framework set by the Environment Agency. Despite Viridor’s assurances that noise and odour levels are compliant, local residents feel that the reality contradicts the statements made by the company. This discrepancy has led to severe dissatisfaction among those living in the vicinity. In response to ongoing complaints, Viridor offered settlement funds to some aggrieved locals, which many found insufficient compared to the issues they face daily. Some residents, including Mandy Royle and local business owner George Parker, rejected the compensation, stating that it does not address their underlying problems and further diminishes their property values. As tensions between the facility and residents grow, the plight of the local community highlights the broader complexities of balancing industrial operations with the quality of life for residents living nearby.