Independent Glanymor Ward County Councillors Sean Rees and Louvain Roberts have today called for the Chair of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to resign following confirmation that the permitted AMG Resources Ltd site is the source of the fly infestation affecting the Llanelli community.
In a joint statement, Councillors Rees and Roberts said:
“Llanelli residents have endured weeks of unacceptable disruption and awful conditions, with homes, businesses, schools and community facilities all affected by another fly infestation. This crisis has affected everyone in our community – from our young people to our elderly residents, from working people to disabled residents and those living with other medical conditions who continue to need support.
“Yet, in an interview with BBC Wales on 7 July, Natural Resources Wales said it did not believe the AMG Resources site was the source of the infestation, while the company itself maintained that it had appropriate pest control measures in place. NRW has now confirmed that its own investigations identified the AMG Resources site as the source of the recent increase in fly activity. Such a significant reversal raises serious questions about NRW’s handling of the incident and public confidence in its leadership.
“When an organisation entrusted with protecting our environment gets something as significant as this so badly wrong, accountability must start at the top. We are therefore calling on the Chair of Natural Resources Wales to resign.
“Residents and businesses who have suffered financial loss and significant disruption through no fault of their own should also be receiving appropriate compensation.
“Our community deserves answers, accountability and the assurance that this can never happen again.”
The councillors also placed on record their appreciation for the dedication and hard work of officers, schools, community organisations, and residents who have worked tirelessly throughout the incident. However, they stressed that responsibility for regulating the permitted site rests with Natural Resources Wales.
Councillors Rees and Roberts have pledged to continue pressing NRW, AMG Resources and the Welsh Government until the infestation is fully resolved, those responsible are held to account, and effective safeguards are put in place to prevent any recurrence.
