March 28th, 2025.



Green councillor Paul Keene has written to government ministers, including environment secretary Steve Reed and deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, calling for an emergency halt to FM Conway’s operations at its Newhaven asphalt plant.

Together with local campaign group Protect the Environment Newhaven (PEN), Cllr. Keene is also demanding FM Conway urgently install the industry standard carbon-activated filtration and vacuum-based containment systems that could significantly reduce pollution. They are also calling for an urgent review of East Sussex County Council’s (ESCC) planning approvals for the Conway site.

These demands follow yet another night of Newhaven experiencing thick, acrid fumes from the plant on North Quay Road, and growing fears of a public health emergency. Residents report struggling to breathe, headaches, nausea, and persistent coughs. Despite assurances from FM Conway, the county council, regulators, and consultants that pollution would decrease after installation of a new stack, air quality has worsened, the odour is overwhelming, and health risks are rising. The impact on daily life is severe. Residents say they are often forced indoors, unable to enjoy outdoor spaces, with windows shut against the stench.

John A, a local resident, said: “I believe my health has been deeply affected by toxic Conway pollution. I have breathing issues and other health problems and need to keep my windows closed whenever Conway operates. Something must be done now to stop Conway permanently destroying my and everyone’s health in Newhaven.”

Instead of fixing the problem, residents point out that FM Conway has applied to expand operations and legalise permit breaches, deepening its impact on the community.

Cllr Keene is calling on the authorities to act before more harm is done. Without the pollution control systems campaigners are calling for, Newhaven will remain dangerously exposed to fine particulate pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) linked to respiratory illness and cancer.

But Cllr Keene says the Environment agency is not carrying out the regular inspection and testing required to know the true extent of the health hazards.

“Newhaven has been tormented by FM Conway for too long. Where is the Environment Agency? Where is ESCC? Where are the ESCC councillors who approved this pollution? Some may tout the ‘economic benefits’ of Conway, but profit is being prioritised over public health, and residents are paying the price with their ability to safely breathe,” said Cllr Keene.

What Residents Can Do:
Join Protect the Environment Newhaven (PEN)—stand together for clean air.

Write to FM Conway—demand immediate action to stop polluting.

Write to local representatives—demand immediate intervention.

Share your experiences—raise awareness and pressure those in power to act.


To contribute to the local letter writing campaign to bring FM Conway to the community CLICK HERE.


Photo caption: Green Party District Councillor and PEN member Paul Keene in front of the
Conway Plant in Newhaven