3:49pm Tuesday 27th July 2010
By Chris Gee
Chorley Council believe they have identified the source of an infestation flies which has plagued the village of Euxton in each of the last three summers.
The council has sent out hundreds of letters to residents in the village who have complained that the number of flies is profoundly affecting their quality of life.
A leading entomolgist from the Agricultural Development Advisory Service has been helping to determine the source of the infestation.
Their conclusion was that the practice of spreading chicken manure employed by Culbeck Farm in the village is the primary reason for the problem.
Leader of the council, Peter Goldsworthy said the experts had said a particular micro-climate and damp conditions on the fields close to Pear Tree Lane where the farm cultivates cattle feed was a perfect breeding ground for the flies.
He said: “I have met with the farmer and we are hopeful that an agreement can be reached with him to reduce the problem by changing his spreading practice.
“We have advised him to follow the DEFRA code of practice for restricting this sort of spreading between April and October so as not to provide a breeding ground for the fly population.
“This will not wipe out the flies completely but will reduce their number significantly.”
Families in the village say the number if flies has had an impact on their lives in the summer months.
Donna Lock, 37, of Culbeck Lane, said: “We’re unable to sit in the garden or have a drink outside because of the number of flies.
“My 10-year-old daughter was unable to sleep in her room one night last week because there were about 30 or 40 flies in her bedroom.
“Now the cause has been proved then the council should make sure something is done about it.”
Morris Hill, who runs Culbeck Farm with other family members, said: “I have a living to make and a countryside to protect and am helping the environment by using natural fertilizer on the fields.
“I don’t believe we’re the only source of flies in Euxton and the council admit the manure itself is not contaminated when it is spread.”
Mr Hill said he had agreed not to spread the manure in the affected area for the next five weeks.
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