During a recent visit to Parliament, local MP Matt Western delivered a speech in the adjournment debate, which he secured to address the issue of flies and foul odours affecting the Warwickshire region.

In a Facebook post, Mr Western thanked constituents for their feedback and personal experiences shared at short notice over the past two years, many of which were included in his speech.

He wrote: "It was hugely important to me that while I was the one giving the speech, it was reflective of people who are suffering from this problem are going through each day.

"I think it demonstrated the severity of the problem, so thank you."

In a small segment of his speech shared on Facebook, Mr Western stated that after notifying residents on Friday morning that he would be speaking in the debate, he had received more than 100 complaints by Monday morning.

Over 80 percent of these identified Berry Circular Polymers, a plastic waste recycling facility in Leamington Spa, as the primary source of the issue.

He added that this site is believed to be the source of the problem.

Mr Western also recalled a public meeting he held on the matter, which was attended by over 100 people, noting: "hundreds more wanted to be there," which shows"the strength of feeling on the issue."

To gain a deeper understanding of the impact, he conducted a survey asking residents to rate how severely the smell had affected their lives over the past two years, on a scale of one to ten, ten being 'completely'.

The average response was eight out of ten.

Mr Western strengthened his case by sharing a series of direct quotes from constituents.

One person said: "The flies affect every minute of your day from waking to washing, preparing food, working, cleaning, and trying to sleep."

Another shared: "I've had to come away from various activities around town, including paying my respects in the local cemetery, because of the smell."

A third added: "It's been so bad, I vomited while driving my car along the Heathcote Road, which could cause an accident."

Following these comments, Mr Western emphasised the need to highlight the seriousness of the issue and called for urgent intervention.

He reiterated that the complaints began only after the plant opened, stating: "One family had lived here for 30 years before this particular plant opened.

"They never complained about the smell or flies ever before.

"Now they say it is unbearable."

In other parts of his speech, Western made several directives:

• An urgent review of the Environment Agency's initial decision
• An unannounced site visit by EA officers to test odours and count fly populations
• A report detailing what actions the EA has taken since its last visit on 1 April
• An urgent meeting with the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency
• The Minister's support in securing this meeting
• A directive from the Minister and the Government for the EA to take decisive action

Concerning the plant itself, Berry Circular Polymers, Mr Western argued it had breached regulations and should be shut down as a matter of urgency.

He stated: "I hope this makes very clear that I will keep fighting on this and demanding the action you rightfully deserve.

"I believe the Minister gets it and wants to help us.

"I'll keep pulling all the levers I can."

Mr Western further expressed appreciation for constituents' input, saying it helped shape his speech, some of which can be viewed here.

Details about an upcoming community meeting will be shared shortly.

More details on the matter can be found here.