Your Voices

This is what you’ve been telling us; and it matters. Your experiences, concerns, and ideas are shaping the campaign to protect our community.

We want to keep hearing from you. Every voice adds strength, every story builds momentum. If you haven’t shared yet, or if you’d like to add more, please get in touch and make sure your voice is part of the conversation.

"...drove pass yesterday morning and they were burning stuff, hit the back of my throat as I drove pass at 08.30"

"I don't know exactly what they used to do at BP Mitchels, but the debris on the road, cracked windscreens and dust was bad enough, but now this new asphalt business has taken it too far. Even driving past we turn off the vents in the car to keep the fumes out, how has this been allowed?"

"I no longer cycle to work in Hertford because of the tarmac fumes and now take the car instead."

"This morning’s walk in Rolls Wood was ruined by the smell of hot asphalt and the noise from the plant nearby.

What used to be a peaceful place to enjoy nature and fresh air has become polluted and unpleasant. Instead of relaxation, the woodland now feels like somewhere to avoid."

“We used to ride our bikes with the kids on a Saturday to Hertford along the Cole Green Way cycle route. It was a safe, healthy, and enjoyable family activity.

We no longer do this because the lingering fumes from the site stay in the back of the throat. It doesn’t feel safe for the children’s health, and what was once a joyful weekend routine has been taken away from us.”

“I walk my dog across the field opposite the BP Mitchell facility. The noise and smell from the machinery are quite frankly shocking. What was once a peaceful ramble has become an awful experience. That is why I now choose to walk our dog towards the town centre instead, and ironically away from the disruption and fumes.”

“Who in their right mind would buy one of the houses planned as part of the Birchall Garden Suburb development, when the asphalt plant is only 120 metres from the nearest home and 500 metres from the nearest school? Families deserve safe, healthy surroundings and not heavy industry on their doorstep.”

“My job often requires me to work late into the night.

The early morning noise from the asphalt plant makes it impossible to catch up on sleep. It has become so disruptive that I’ve even considered leaving a job I truly enjoy, because in the end, you have to put your health first.”

“When the machinery starts up in the morning, the noise is so loud I have to turn up the television just to hear it. What should be a simple, everyday comfort is drowned out by the constant disturbance.”

“Forget putting clean washing out on the line. The smell from Mitchel's gets into the clothes and makes them stink.

We’ve had to start using the tumble dryer far more than we used to, just to stop our washing from smelling of tarmac.”

“Some days I have to close every open window or vent just to try and stop the smell and noise from getting into my house. Fresh air in my own home has been taken away.”