The biological waste treatment plant accused of causing the fly infestation affecting Westbury residents over the past few weeks has taken steps to control the problem, according to operator Hills Waste Solutions.

The Northacre Biological Treatment Plant is working with the Environment Agency and the department of public health and protection at Wiltshire Council to identify the source of excessive flies in the town.

Hills also confirmed that it has been delivering letters to residents and businesses to keep them up to date on measures being undertaken to reduce fly numbers at the plant, as well as providing fly papers to those who asked for them.

A spokesman for Hills said: “The company is taking this matter extremely seriously and has implemented the necessary steps to ensure that the operations at the Northacre Resource Recovery Centre (NRRC) do not cause inconvenience to local residents or businesses.

“Notable progress to control flies at the NRRC has been made and there has been a significant reduction in the number of flies present at the site.

“Hills has been liaising with Wiltshire Council and the Environment Agency regarding the reduction of reported flies at the NRRC and is confident that the measures in place are effective.”

Katherine Storey, of Paxman’s Road, said: “I would say the situation is a little better, but not to the point where I am happy. I did make another complaint to Hills and they sent me some fly papers, but they aren’t very effective.

“We never had this problem before the waste plant arrived and what’s scary is the possibility that we will have to live with this every time we get good weather.

“I have two small children and it’s horrendous to have to cope with flies everywhere. Hills says it is doing all it can, but it is not good enough.”

Call Hills about the fly problem on 07747 791386, or see www.northacrerrc.co.uk