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Protesters ready to raise stink in court
LAWYERS are primed for a courtroom battle over Fleetwood's infamous stench.
A compensation claim has been submitted to United Utilities after months of preparation by lawyers representing 200 people complaining about the smell from the water company's Jameson Road sewage plant.
The no-win no-fee solicitors have told the water giant they will also ask the courts for an injunction to prevent any future smells from the plant.
Gwen Evans, of solicitors Hugh James, said she expected United Utilities to deny the claim and for the matter to end up in court.
She told The Gazette: "We've informed them of the claim and set out details of the claim made against them.
"They have a period to respond during which we expect them to admit or deny liability and, subject to their response, we will have to consider appropriate court action. They could admit liability but I would be surprised if they did that."
The solicitors said if United Utilities ultimately denied liability there would be "no alternative to claims proceedings" in court. Ms Evans added: "I suspect it's the route we will ultimately go down.
"The merits are there – it looks a solid case against United Utilities, based on allegations and instructions we have from our clients."
She added that the level of compensation would be in the hands of the court – but was likely to be "significant".
A spokesman for United Utilities said: "We're investing in the plant, listening to our customers and working with the Environment Agency and Wyre Borough.
"We want to work with all parties to resolves the issues."
The compensation claim began last year when residents were invited to a meeting with Hugh James at the North Euston Hotel.
Fleetwood residents have complained for a decade about smells from the waste water treatment plant, which United Utilities admit has become overloaded.
The company is now engaged in a 50m programme to expand the capacity of the plant to cope with demand.
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Wednesday 30 May 2012
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