Thousands of pounds of damage caused as ash from Rugeley Power Station hits cars
Dozens of cars have been showered with ash and dust from Rugeley Power Station which has caused hundreds of pounds of damage to vehicles.
People in the area say it has happened twice in recent weeks and they have not been able to remove the substance themselves.
Bosses at Rugeley Power Station have taken full responsibility for the problems but admitted they did not know what was causing the ash.
They have commissioned DAB Restoration to repair vehicles vowing they will reimburse anyone affected.
James Patten, managing director of DAB, said they had dealt with more than 30 vehicles so far and estimated that the cost of each job was a three figure sum.
He added: "It is generally costing in the hundreds of pounds. But it is 100 per cent repairable.
"The main problem is a tightly held mechanical stain but if it is dealt with professionally vehicles can be put right no problem."
Craig Niven, of Rugeley-based Staffordshire Care Car, said more than half a dozen customers had reported the problem to him in the last two weeks including employees at JCB.
He said some were unaware that the ash had come from the power station and warned it could cause long-term damage if it was left.
"A lot of car paint now is water-based and it is not strong enough," he said. "The longer the ash is left it will degrade the lacquer of the car.
"There is only so many times you can machine polish it as it takes away a layer and the thickness of the lacquer."
Bosses at Rugeley Power Station released a statement which said: "It has recently been brought to our attention that a number of vehicles, in close proximity to Rugeley Power Station, have been affected by ash dust deposits.
"The power station is currently investigating the sources of these deposits.
"We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to local residents."
