FOLLOWING dirt protests over a huge reclamation site agents for the owners have promised to try to be a good neighbour to all residents who live on its three mile boundary.
Mr Owen Michaelson, development director for Black Country Properties Ltd which acts on behalf of the Gibfield Park Group Ltd, said he apologises to the residents of Wigan Road, Atherton, whose complaints over the work at the former Bag Lane Opencast site, Gibfield tip and Gadbury Fold area are justified.
He blamed rapid changes in the weather over recent months, which sometimes got the better of the restoration contractor, Lynx Euro Management, and recognised that the principal concern of families was that a permanent solution should be found to the problem.
He said: "I can confirm that all parties have been working closely to improve the environmental controls at the entrance to the Gibfield site."
This has included a wheel spinner being installed to help clean wheels of lorries leaving the site, the temporary access road being tarmaced to ensure the length of internal road between the wheel wash and main road can be kept clean by a mobile road sweeper, new drains have been created and all drivers leaving the site are advised not to turn right on to Wigan Road but to leave via the by-pass.
He said: "This matter will be kept under constant review and if these working practices do not result in a permanent improvement the situation will be reviewed and further investment made if needed.
"The regeneration of Gibfield Park is an ongoing process. Although the majority of the earth moving operations have now finished there will be further restoration work for up to three years before the woodland park can be opened to the public.
"We have always tried to work closely with our neighbours and we are determined to ensure that we address the problem and be a good neighbour."
Mr Michaelson added that any local residents who would like to discuss this or any other matter should speak to him or Jim Stokes on 01902 306868 or write to them at PO Box 1286, The Gatehouse, Well Lane, Wolverhampton, WV11 1GT.
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