March 20th, 2025.



Cllr Lesley Boniface, (pictured), Town Councillor for the Newhaven Valley Ward, has voiced her opinion on the ongoing air quality concerns in Newhaven, following the installation of a new chimney stack in early March.

The planning consent for the new chimney stack underwent a lengthy process at East Sussex County Council in 2024, during which Conway made supporting arguments about improving air quality for town residents. The concerns stemmed from the particulates in the air affecting the health of residents. Unfortunately, the installation of the chimney stack was delayed due to unfavourable weather conditions during the intervening period.

Lib Dem Town Councillor for Valley Ward, Lesley Boniface said: "It's disappointing that the air quality in Newhaven is still a concern for many residents. Complaints from residents are still being sent to fellow Councillors, and the strong smell of asphalt is still in the air.

"I understand the economic benefit of having the Conway plant in Newhaven, but it can't be to the detriment of residents' health.

"I'm happy to meet with the Conway Team to understand the issues they are facing and the systems they are putting in place to ensure residents aren't subjected to poor air quality."

James MacCleary, MP for Newhaven added: "I've been working on improving air quality from the site for a number of years, and we really need to see a difference now.

"Getting off the train at Newhaven, the smell can really hit you at times. It's important Conway take action now, so people in Newhaven get the living environment we deserve."