Wrexham.com > News
Posted: Thu 20th Nov 2025
A new initiative to stop pollution from reaching the River Alyn is underway between Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and businesses on the Llay Industrial Estate.
Officers visited multiple units on the estate to offer advice on how to improve environmental practices and spotting potential pollution hazards. Guidance was also issued on environmental permits.
Singrett Brook runs through the estate and eventually flows into the River Alyn – a key tributary of the River Dee.
However, the brook has been affected by repeated pollution incidents, often caused by accidental spills or incorrect drainage connections from nearby industrial sites.
Elizabeth Felton, NRW’s environment team leader for Wrexham, said: “Pollution from industrial estates can happen all too easily – whether through spills, accidents, or even vandalism.
“These incidents can harm wildlife and pose risks to people’s health.
“By visiting businesses on the estate, we’re helping them take practical steps to prevent pollution and protect the local environment.
“We want to raise awareness of the impact pollution can have on rivers like the Alyn and support businesses to do their part in keeping our water clean and safe.”
The River Dee is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), recognised for its rich biodiversity including species such as salmon, bullhead, lamprey, otters, and a variety of plants and invertebrates.
It’s also a vital source of drinking water. Because of this, the area around the river – including Llay Industrial Estate – is part of a Water Protection Zone under the Water Resources Act 1991. This means that certain substances must be carefully managed and stored, and may require consent.
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