Damages awarded over foundry smell
More than 100 people whose lives have been blighted by bad smells from a Staffordshire foundry have been awarded damages expected to reach £1.4 million.
Residents in Norton Canes have been locked in battle with Norton Aluminium for nine years.
A judge has now ruled in favour of 132 claims brought by families living near the site in Norton Green Lane.
But Birmingham Civil Justice Centre heard how the firm is now in administration and further action will be needed to ensure the cash is paid out.
Residents, who were represented by solicitors Hugh James, claimed the smells limited the enjoyment of their lives.
His Honour Judge Martin McKenna ruled in their favour during a hearing on Friday but dismissed claims relating to dust and noise.
Gwen Evans, partner at Hugh James, said it was fantastic the residents had been successful but more work was needed.
"They have got their compensation," she said. "But they can't get that money at the moment because the company has gone into administration – and further action will be needed to resolve it." A hearing will now take place on December 3 where residents will pursue a claim for costs against the managing director of Norton Aluminium, Henry Dickinson.
The claims about the bad odours ranged from 2003 to 2010.
The damages paid out to individual households will depend on how close residents lived to the foundry. Norton Aluminium makes high-grade aluminium alloys for Honda, Nissan and Toyota among others. The foundry has operated on the site since 1952.
Norton Aluminium was unavailable for comment today.
Len Sharratt, aged 85, of Norton Green Lane, was one of the residents affected.
He said: "I am pleased but there is still a long way to go.
"This has been going on since 2003. With the smells you couldn't even have your windows open in the summertime."
The battle has raged through the courts for years, with the firm strongly contesting the claims.
The hearing had to be settled in the High Court because the two sides failed to reach an out-of-court settlement.
Bosses and residents began mediation in September last year after a judge halted a High Court action due to legal technicalities, urging the parties to take the opportunity to come to an agreement.
But talks broke down and new court action was ordered, six years after villagers first instructed lawyers.
Norton Aluminium's lawyers have previously said that losing the case could spell the end for the foundry, with the loss of jobs.
