Meeting at Samworths Brothers Saladworks
Factory. Submitted by: Jim on Jan 28, 2006
1. Odours A meeting took place at 4pm on January 11th 2006 at
the Samworth Saladworks manufacturing plant Ratby Lane between
local residents and the management of factory to discuss odours
being emitted during the cooking process.
Fifty readings were taken over a period from 15-04-05 and 22-08-05.
Using a scale from 0 to 10 with 0 = No Odour and 10 = Strong
Odour. There were 46 instances where readings were taken with
readings at 4 and above:
Scale 4 = 8 instances
Scale 5 = 10 instances
Scale 6 = 6 instances
Scale 7 = 10 instances
Scale 9 = 1 instance
Present at the meeting
On behalf of Saladworks
Mr David Price, Managing Director
Mr Mike Mountain, Site Engineer
Mr Jarrod Thorndyke, Engineer
L.F.E. Residents Group
Mr Jim Marshall, Packer Avenue, LFE
Mr Gerry Faulkner, Hinckley Road Central, LFE
Mr Paul Preston, Hinckley Road East, LFE
Mr Chris Dunkley, Brightwell Drive, LFE
The meeting was opened by Jim Mitchell (Packer Avenue) who
stated how dissapointed the residents were about the lack
of progress made with regard to the reduction of smells still
being emitted and in particular, two days in January - 1st
& 5th when the odour was very strong and lasted a number
of hours throughout the day and could be detected as far afield
as Hinckley Road!.
Paul Preston (Hinckley Road, East) asked why no meetings
had taken place over the previous six months as agreed, for
a demonstration of a system to eliminate the odour problem
by a company called Quest.
Mike Martin (Site Engineer, Salad Works) apologised for the
delay and stated work had been undertaken by Quest and another
company to try and reach a solution. He also stated that Samworths
had installed a new set of UltraViolet Tubes (UV) in the oven
ducting late 2005 however, in view of the number of days where
the smells were detected he agreed that this remedy was not
a success.
A trial has been arranged to take place on 15th February
on the Quest premises of their "Black Box" filtration
system. If sucessful the units will be fitted to the Saladworks
ducting within one month of the end of the trials. Members
of the residents group were invited to attend the trials.
Chris Dunkley (Brightwell Drive) spoke on behalf of residents
who had contacted him regarding the impact the odours were
having on the community. David Prince (Managing Director,
Saladworks) assured him that Samworths would carry out the
agreed actions to eliminate the odours.
2. Stream contaminationA natural reed bed filtration system
was completed in October. The flow of the stream was not sufficient
to reach the three legs of the stream and a modification was
suggestedthat may improve the system. Mike Mountain will contact
the contractor to assess and discuss improvements.
3.Litter Bins Bins were not being emptied regularly. David
Prince (MD) gave an assurance that they would be in future.
4a. Dog Waste bins Blaby District Council now have a sponsor
for the DWB's which will be installed in the near future.4b.
Clean Streets Initiative Signs Blaby District Council and
Saladworks will work together to improve the footpath and
monitor dog fouling, litter, vandalism and fly tipping in
the area. The signs are expected to be ready by January end.
5.Footpath A request was made for the footpath to have a
hard surface installed. David Prince (MD) said the cost of
such a project would need to be considered before a decision
is made.
David Prince addressed the meeting stating that he was new
to Saladworks, only recently arriving at the factory and was
not yet fully aware of the feelings of the local community.
He thanked those present for attending the meeting to put
forward the views of the local people and fully understood
the concerns raised. He will ensure he and his team work towards
eliminating the odour as soon as possible.
Mike Mountain asked that anyone that has concerns regarding
the above actions may contact him.
The next meeting is scheduled for W/C February 13th.
